South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has accused Morocco of holding the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ransom over the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026), Soccernet.ng reports.
For the past six weeks, a cloud of uncertainty has hung over the venue for the tournament. Morocco was originally scheduled to host the event, marking what would be their third consecutive time organizing the competition.
However, following the conclusion of the 2025 AFCON in January—a tournament marred by controversy regarding perceived favoritism toward the hosts—speculation has mounted that the North Africans are considering pulling out of their WAFCON commitment.
Although CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced last month that the tournament would proceed in Morocco as planned, the rumors of a withdrawal have not cooled.
Throughout this period, McKenzie, known for his blunt and often colorful rhetoric, has been vocal in his support for CAF.
This is quite expected, given that Motsepe is a fellow South African. During a press conference on Wednesday, McKenzie reaffirmed that South Africa is battle-ready to step in and secure the hosting rights should Morocco decide to relinquish them.
Gayton McKenzie's Latest Statements About WAFCON 2026
In his address, McKenzie acknowleded Morocco for delivering an impressive AFCON 2025, but he accused them of trying to sabotage CAF President Motsepe.
He suggested that by wavering on WAFCON 2026, Morocco is effectively trying to undermine CAF and President Motsepe.
He then stated that the Rainbow Nation has all the necessary world-class infrastructure and is simply waiting for a green light from the governing body.
”If Morocco is ready to host the WAFCON because they had a brilliant AFCON, they should do so,” McKenzie stated.
“But if they are not ready, we want to tell them, we (South Africa) are not a country with no stadiums, a country that doesn’t host games, we are not a country with less infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have.
“As the Minister of Arts, Sports, and Culture, if you're not going to host because other countries do not have the infrastructure, so you tell them to wait for you. We will not allow women’s football to be treated in such a fashion.
“We don’t wait for no one. We will not allow women’s football to be treated this way.
“I'm not scared to say it, If Morocco is not going to host it, South Africa is standing ready because, at the end of the day, they want to embarrass the President of CAF.
“He didn't say this, so don't attribute this to him.”
Minister Gayton McKenzie’s direct words to Morocco, on the uncertainty around the hosting of the next WAFCON tournament this month.
#SABCSport’s @Velile_Mnyandu #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/pgGbnEhVp0
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 4, 2026
These accusations are remarkably heavy, especially as President Motsepe has remained silent regarding any alleged pressure from Morocco.
It is possible that the manner in which Morocco lost the recent AFCON title left a bitter taste, leading to a potential desire to step back from certain CAF responsibilities.
However, from a political standpoint, Morocco is striving to become a global football hub. Relinquishing a major tournament could jeopardize their standing within African football politics, a risk they may not truly be willing to take.
Does This Affect Nigeria's Super Falcons?
This ongoing uncertainty raises questions about how the build-up will affect the participants, including the record-breaking Super Falcons of Nigeria.
As the defending champions, Nigeria will enter the 2026 tournament with the weight of expectation to secure an 11th title.
Recall that they defeated Morocco in the previous final to claim their 10th crown and will be the team to beat regardless of the venue.
While the scheduled April kickoff is fast approaching, the uncertainty could lead to a disorganized preparation phase for many nations.
Nonetheless, the Super Falcons understand the African game and scene, so they are expected to remain focused on the task at hand.
