The Sierra Leone U20, Shooting Stars and other U20 teams will no longer participate in the AFCON U20 tournament in Ivory Coast after the host country’s football body pulled out of hosting the competition.

The news came as a shock with a barely month to go before the 2025 U20 tournament kicks off.

According to a report from BSNSports.com.ng, the Ivorian Football Association has formally informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of their decision to relinquish their rights to host the tournament scheduled for this May 2025, just a year after being awarded the hosting responsibilities.

CAF were made aware of the Ivorian Football Federation’s (FIF) decision by a letter signed by President Yacine Idriss Diallo.

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“By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of FIF and President of COCAN U20, informs you that the Government has officially
notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as the host of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations,” the letter reads.

Reports indicate that CAF was made aware of FIF’s decision on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, FIF said they appreciate the support they received from volunteers and other organizers in planning the event.

The actual reason for FIF’s withdrawal was not made known in the letter. What is certain, however, is that the news has huge implications on CAF in seeking a new host within the shortest possible time considering the tournament is slated for next month.

The Sierra Leone FA is yet to comment on this latest development but provided update on the preparation of the Shooting Stars team. The FA said the team is faring well after they suffered a narrow defeat in a friendly against Morocco last week.