The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has held a crucial coordination meeting with the technical staff of all 24 participating nations ahead of the 2025 AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations).
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, December 26, focused on ensuring smooth tournament operations, compliance with regulations, and optimal preparation for teams arriving in Morocco.
CAF officials, team representatives and technical delegates discussed a wide range of operational and regulatory matters including;
- Team hotels,
- Media and marketing procedures,
- Doping and medical regulations,
- Behaviour with referees, and
- Preparations for training camps.
Teams Make Requests on Seating and Security
During the meeting, several team delegations made important operational requests.
Additional Seating Behind Team Benches –
Nations requested that CAF provide extra seating behind technical benches, allowing coaches and analysts to observe matches more effectively, mirroring setups used in major European leagues.
Stricter Security and Privacy Around Team Hotels –
Teams also asked CAF and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to enforce tighter security measures to prevent fans, media, or unauthorized individuals from disturbing players during critical preparation periods.
The LOC agreed to strengthen monitoring and preserve privacy within hotel zones.
CAF Confirms Squad and Staff Limits
CAF reaffirmed that each nation is permitted to register a maximum of 28 players, selected from an initial preliminary squad of 55 submitted earlier.
In addition, teams may register 17 staff members, covering technical, administrative, medical and backroom personnel.
The expansion is designed to support performance analysis, physiotherapy, logistics and team management throughout the tournament.
CAF also reminded all participating nations that, with FIFA’s full approval, clubs worldwide must release their players by December 8, regardless of domestic schedules or club preferences.
Full Transportation Support for All Delegations
CAF confirmed that each competing nation will receive complete transportation backing from the LOC starting five days before their first match, ending 24 hours after their final game.
Each delegation will be provided with:
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One 50-seater team bus
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One car for the head of delegation
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One equipment truck
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Full airport and intercity transfers
The support package ensures seamless mobility across host cities and venues throughout the competition.
Teams Allowed to Arrive 5 Days Before Tournament Kick-off
To enhance preparation and acclimatization, CAF confirmed that national teams may arrive in Morocco up to five days before the opening ceremony.
This window is intended to help players settle, train under local conditions and complete final technical sessions ahead of matchday one.
The 2025 edition will kick off on Sunday, December 21, with the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
AFCON 2025 Preparations in Full Swing
With the tournament fast approaching, host nation Morocco and participating federations have intensified readiness efforts.
Venues, hotels, training centres, and logistical frameworks across the host cities are already undergoing final checks to ensure compliance with CAF standards.
The 2025 AFCON is now looking to be one of the most professionally organized editions in recent history.
