The Confederation of African Amputee Football (CAAF) has announced the postponement of the 2024 African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) from its original April schedule.
The tournament has been rescheduled to take place from May 18-30, 2024.
In a letter to CAAF team leaders, AAFCON teams, and CAAF representatives, the organization cited several logistical challenges that have forced them to delay the event, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Amputee Football World Cup.
“On behalf of the CAAF President and the CAAF Executive Committee, I must inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to organize the tournament this April as earlier scheduled,” wrote CAAF Secretary General Peter Oloo.
The key issues leading to the postponement include:
- Many teams did not submit their information by the initial deadline in early February.
- Difficulties in obtaining visas for the teams before the start of holidays in Egypt after Ramadan.
- Only a few teams paid their entry fees on time.
As a result, CAAF has now rescheduled the 2024 AAFCON to take place from May 18-30, 2024. The organization is aware that some countries, including Gambia, Angola, Liberia, and Morocco, have already made travel arrangements and they hope there is still an opportunity to make the necessary changes.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the postponement of AAFCON,” Oloo stated. “However, we believe that this decision is necessary to maintain the integrity and fairness of the tournament while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.”
CAAF has also announced that they will be organizing a ZOOM call with all stakeholders tomorrow evening to discuss the new dates and next steps. An invitation for the meeting will be sent out soon.
The postponement of the 2024 AAFCON is a significant setback for the African amputee football community, as the tournament serves as an important qualifier for the Amputee Football World Cup. CAAF is now working to ensure a successful event in May, while also addressing the logistical challenges that led to the initial postponement.
