Ethiopia has officially submitted all the required documents to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The submission represents a significant step in Ethiopia’s attempt to secure the hosting rights for the 2028 edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament.

The country’s bid is now formally before CAF, which is expected to evaluate Ethiopia’s proposal alongside submissions from other countries interested in staging the continental championship.

Ethiopia makes formal move for 2028 tournament

Ethiopia’s decision to submit the required documents signals its determination to return to the centre of African football by hosting one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events.

The country has a long football history and has previously hosted major continental competitions, but securing the 2028 AFCON would represent one of its biggest sporting projects in recent years.

The bid process requires prospective hosts to meet CAF’s requirements concerning stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transportation, security and other tournament-related infrastructure.

With the submission completed, attention will now shift to CAF as the governing body begins the process of assessing the various proposals.

CAF to assess competing bids

CAF is expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the bids submitted by interested countries before announcing the successful host.

The evaluation is likely to consider the readiness of stadiums and other facilities, the ability to accommodate participating teams and supporters, transportation networks, security arrangements and the overall organisational capacity of each bidding nation.

Ethiopia will therefore need to demonstrate that it can provide the necessary infrastructure and logistical arrangements required for a tournament of AFCON’s size.

The final decision will rest with CAF after the governing body completes its assessment of the competing bids.

AFCON remains Africa’s biggest football tournament

The Africa Cup of Nations attracts some of the continent’s best players and provides host countries with an opportunity to showcase their sporting facilities, tourism potential and cultural heritage to a global audience.

Hosting the 2028 tournament could also provide Ethiopia with significant economic and tourism opportunities, while giving the country an opportunity to strengthen its position within African football.

For now, Ethiopia’s formal submission places its bid among those seeking the opportunity to stage the 2028 AFCON.

CAF is expected to announce further details about the bidding process and eventual host selection as the evaluation progresses.