By Charity Nginyu
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) have come to a mutual agreement to reschedule the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The prestigious tournament, set to take place in Morocco, will now be held from mid-July to mid-August 2025.
The timing of the tournament has long been a bone of contention, particularly for European clubs who are disproportionately affected by the absence of key African players during crucial stages of the season.
Top European club owners and coaches have repeatedly voiced their concerns over the disruption caused by the AFCON, arguing that it disrupts the rhythm of their teams and compromises their competitive edge.
By shifting the tournament from mid-July to mid-August, CAF and FIFA aim to mitigate these concerns and ensure greater harmony between international and club football calendars.
This move has been welcomed by stakeholders across the footballing world, as it not only addresses the l
ongstanding issue of scheduling conflicts but also enhances the prestige and competitiveness of the AFCON. With the tournament now aligning more closely with the off-season for many European clubs, fans can expect to see a higher caliber of football and greater participation from top African players.
The decision equally marks a significant departure from the traditional scheduling of the AFCON, which has historically taken place in January or February.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
Mr Alfred Obeng-Boateng, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Constituency, has cut the sod for the construction of an Astroturf complex in the area to promote sporting activities.
The Astroturf, to be constructed at Sefwi-Bekwai in the Bibiani Municipality of the Western North Region, is to promote sports development and other recreational activities.
The football pitch, which comes with an inner perimeter fence, floor lights, washrooms, spectator stands, and changing rooms, would cost about $300,000 and be completed within six months.
Mr Obeng-Boateng, at the sod-cutting ceremony, said the project was in line with the Government’s vision to develop sporting infrastructure across the country.
He said: ‘The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government inherited only three artificial football pitches across the length and breadth of the country, but we have managed to construct over 153 Astroturf nationwide to enhance sporting activities amidst COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war’.
He sa
id his constituency alone had been blessed with three of the Astroturfs at Bibiani Roman Park, Queen’s Girls SHS at Sefwi-Anhwiaso, and Sefwi-Bekwai.
Mr Obeng-Boateng expressed confidence that the project would be ready for commissioning before the end of the year to help support sports infrastructural development in the area.
Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah III, the Paramount of Chief Sefwi-Bekwai Traditional Area, who chaired the occasion, commended the Government and the MP for their numerous development interventions in the Municipality.
He indicated that the Astroturf, when completed, would go a long way to help enhance sports and promote other recreational activities in the area.
Source: Ghana News Agency