Botswana pulls out of joint 2028 AFCON bid - EWN

Botswana has officially withdrawn from the joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to Botswana newspaper Mmegi.

The decision leaves South Africa and Zimbabwe to continue with the bidding process with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Botswana’s withdrawal follows the government’s decision not to provide the financial guarantee required to support the country’s participation in the bid. The government cited financial constraints and said hosting the continental tournament is not currently among its priorities.

As a result, Botswana failed to submit the required bidding documents by the 14 September deadline, while South Africa and Zimbabwe proceeded with their submissions.

The original three-country proposal envisaged matches being staged in Gaborone and Francistown. The plan included using Francistown’s existing stadium infrastructure while renovation work was carried out at the National Stadium in Gaborone.