Ethiopia has formally presented its candidature to stage the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, with the national football authorities saying the government-supported proposal demonstrates the country’s preparedness for the continental championship.
The East African nation has previously organised the tournament on three occasions, in 1962, 1968 and 1976.
However, concerns remain over the availability and suitability of sporting facilities required for a 24-team competition.
Only one Ethiopian stadium received approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for use during the previous season.
Authorities are currently preparing to open a newly constructed international stadium and sports centre in Addis Ababa, which could become one of the venues if the country secures hosting rights.
Several facilities outside the capital are reportedly below CAF and FIFA standards, particularly regarding infrastructure, spectator amenities and match-day operations.
Ethiopia was forced to play its home fixtures during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at neutral grounds in Morocco and Rwanda, although Dire Dawa hosted international matches earlier this year.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said last month that the organisation had received several strong proposals for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 tournaments.
From 2028, the continental championship is expected to move to a four-year schedule.
A regional proposal involving Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe is also seeking the 2028 edition.
Morocco, which hosted the 2025 tournament, has reportedly been linked with another hosting opportunity.
However, BBC Sport Africa understands that the North African country is not bidding and is instead concentrating on preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host.
For 2032, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, all currently governed by military authorities, have indicated an interest in jointly staging the competition.
The 2027 AFCON will be held across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda between 19 June and 17 July, marking the tournament’s return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia staged it in 1976.
Ethiopia’s biggest achievement came in 1962 when it lifted the continental trophy on home ground.
Since its last hosting appearance, however, the Walia Ibex have reached the finals only three times.
Their latest participation was at the 2021 tournament, where they failed to record a victory and ended at the bottom of a section containing Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.
The team advanced past Sao Tome and Principe in the qualifying preliminary stage for the next AFCON and has subsequently been placed in Group J alongside Senegal, Mozambique and Sudan.
The Walia Ibex are currently ranked 143rd globally and 43rd on the African continent.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong