South African Sports Minister Guyton McKenzie has accused Morocco of trying to pressure African football officials over hosting the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
There has been uncertainty for almost six weeks as to where the 2026 tournament will be held.
Morocco was previously confirmed as the host country.
The North African country was expected to host the competition for the third consecutive time. However, recent reports suggest that Morocco may be reconsidering its decision.
The uncertainty comes after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January drew criticism from some in the African football community who claimed the hosts were given favorable treatment.
Despite the controversy, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe said last month that the 2026 WAFCON would still take place in Morocco. However, speculation continues that Morocco may withdraw.
South Africa has offered to host
Amid the uncertainty, McKenzie has said that South Africa is ready to host the tournament if Morocco decides not to host the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said South Africa has the necessary stadiums and experience to organize a major football event at short notice.
South Africa previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and several other continental tournaments.
Acknowledging that Morocco successfully hosted the recent AFCON tournament, McKenzie said the country should clearly state whether it wants to host WAFCON or not.
He said, “If Morocco is willing to host WAFCON because they have a great AFCON, then they should do it.”
“But if they are not ready, we want to tell them that we are not a country without stadiums or infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than we have.”
She also said that South Africa will not let the uncertainty surrounding the host country affect women's football.
“We will not allow women's football to be treated like this. We wait for no one,” she said.
CAF is ready to respond
McKenzie's comments are one of the harshest criticisms leveled at Morocco's role in African football in recent years.
So far, CAF president Motsepe has not publicly responded to the allegations or reports of Morocco possibly withdrawing as host.
Observers say that if Morocco ultimately withdraws from hosting the tournament, it could hamper the country's ambitions to become a major center for international football events.
Morocco has invested heavily in stadiums and sports infrastructure as it aims to host more global competitions in the future.
Impact on Nigeria
The uncertainty could also affect teams preparing for the tournament, including the Nigeria women's national football team, known as the Super Falcons.
Nigeria is the most successful team in the history of the competition, having won the title a record 10 times.
The Super Falcons had won the previous edition, defeating the Morocco women's national football team in the final.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, Nigeria will aim to win an 11th title and maintain their dominance in African women's football.
However, uncertainty over the host country may impact planning and logistics for teams preparing for the competition.