Botswana withdraws from joint 2028 AFCON bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa

Botswana has withdrawn from the joint bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after its government declined to provide the financial guarantee required for the proposal.

The decision, reported on Tuesday by the Mmegi newspaper, leaves Zimbabwe and South Africa to continue with their joint submission to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Botswana failed to lodge its bidding documents by the 14 September deadline after the government cited financial constraints and said hosting the tournament was not among its immediate priorities.

CAF had extended the deadline from the end of August to 14 September, but the Botswana Football Association could not proceed without the government acting as guarantor.

BFA officials had argued that a formal financial guarantee was not required at the initial stage of the process, but the government’s refusal to provide backing effectively ended Botswana’s participation.

Under the original three-nation proposal, Botswana was to host matches in Gaborone and Francistown. Francistown’s existing stadium infrastructure was to be used, while renovation work was planned for the National Stadium in Gaborone to bring it up to CAF standards.

Zimbabwe and South Africa are understood to have submitted the required documents before the deadline, supported by guarantees from their respective governments.

The withdrawal may now require the two countries to revise their proposal, including the distribution of matches, venues, accommodation and transport.

It is another setback for Botswana’s ambition to stage Africa’s premier international tournament. The country bid for the 2027 AFCON, which CAF awarded to the joint East African bid by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

South Africa, which hosted AFCON in 1996 and 2013 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is expected to provide most of the established infrastructure for the 2028 tournament.

Zimbabwe recently regained permission to stage international matches at the National Sports Stadium following extensive renovations, but further upgrades are likely to be needed to meet CAF standards for a major continental tournament.

CAF is expected to inspect proposed venues and supporting infrastructure before making a final decision.

While hosting AFCON would bring significant tourism and commercial opportunities, it will also require substantial government investment in stadiums, transport, security, accommodation and tournament operations.