South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, issued a stern warning on Wednesday regarding the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), declaring that South Africa will not be "held hostage" by nations with inferior infrastructure.
Speaking at a media briefing on March 4, McKenzie expressed growing frustration over the lack of clarity regarding Morocco’s readiness to host the tournament, which is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks.
The Minister asserted that South Africa stands prepared to step in as an alternative host to ensure the competition proceeds without further delay.
"If Morocco are not ready to host Wafcon, we want to tell them, we are not a country with no stadiums," McKenzie said. "We are not a country with no infrastructure. We as South Africa will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have."
The Minister’s comments highlight a deepening rift over the organization of the continental showpiece. McKenzie criticized what he described as a "nonchalant approach" to women’s football, suggesting that the current uncertainty would not be tolerated in the men’s game.
He noted that South Africa’s world-class facilities, a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, make the country a natural successor should the original plans fail.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to officially respond to McKenzie’s remarks or provide a final confirmation on the tournament's status.
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