African Football in Flux: Aliou Cissé Exits Libya Amidst Salary Row as CAF Navigates AFCON Hosting Tensions

African football is currently navigating a period of significant administrative and structural shifts, headlined by the resignation of Aliou Cissé as the head coach of the Libyan national team. Cissé, the former Senegal manager who took charge of Libya in March 2025 with the goal of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stepped down effective April 2026 following a prolonged salary dispute. Reports indicate that Cissé and his backroom staff had not been paid for eight months, a situation that only saw partial resolution after the threat of legal action against the Libyan Football Federation. During his tenure, Cissé managed ten matches, recording three wins, five draws, and two losses, ultimately describing the experience as an "incredibly enriching" adventure despite the financial challenges.

Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts are underway in West Africa as CAF President Patrice Motsepe arrived in Dakar for high-level talks with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and football authorities. The visit is aimed at de-escalating tensions following the controversial decision to remove Senegal as hosts for AFCON 2025 and a separate ruling that awarded Morocco a victory over Senegal in a previous AFCON final on procedural grounds. With Senegal appealing these decisions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Motsepe’s visit represents a critical attempt to maintain regional stability and address the Senegal Football Federation’s grievances regarding CAF's administrative rulings.

Looking ahead, the roadmap for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is becoming clearer as co-hosts Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania officially confirmed the tournament dates for June 19 to July 18, 2027. This marks the first time the prestigious tournament will be held in the CECAFA region. To bolster attendance and tourism, the Local Organising Committee has announced visa waivers for international fans. However, the preparations are not without hurdles; recent CAF inspections of Uganda's Mandela National Stadium and the Hoima Stadium—currently under construction—revealed that they do not yet meet the required hosting standards. Uganda’s sports ministry has since assured stakeholders that intensive improvements are being made to ensure the facilities are ready for the continental showpiece.