Kenya, stripped this weekend of the right to stage the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), will continue with a stadium construction project.
Only one of four venues earmarked for the January 12/February 4 competition was ready, leading the CAF executive committee to dump the east African economic powerhouse.
“The decision, though unfavourable, marks a new dawn for Kenyan football, in particular, and sport in general due to the ongoing infrastructure development,” said a Football Kenya Federation statement.
“[The project] endeavours to ensure that the country has at least four modern stadiums and a number of training pitches.
“The federation is of the view that it did everything humanly possible to ensure that CHAN 2018 became a reality, both to Kenyans and the entire east African region.
“Unfortunately, a lack of up-to-standard infrastructure to host the competition, and the need to improve the existing ones, meant Kenya would inevitably play second fiddle to better-placed countries that have invested heavily in infrastructure development over the years.”
There has been media speculation that Morocco or South Africa will replace Kenya as hosts of the 16-team tournament for home-based footballers.
This is the second time Kenya have been unable to meet the requirements to stage a CAF football competition after losing the right to host the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament was moved to South Africa, who defeated Tunisia in the final.
