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Comoros Withdraw From 2027 U-23 AFCON Qualifiers Over Financial Problems

Posted : 08 September 2026

The Comoros Football Federation has withdrawn its U-23 national team from the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations. The decision comes just weeks after the federation confirmed its participation and took part in the official qualifying draw in Cairo.

Comoros were drawn against Madagascar in the first round of the qualifying competition. The first-round ties were scheduled to take place in September and October, but the withdrawal means the planned meeting between the two sides will no longer go ahead.

Madagascar's U-23 team will therefore advance to the second round without playing the first-round tie. The Barea will face South Africa in the next stage, with the second-round matches scheduled for November 2026.

Financial difficulties are understood to be behind Comoros' decision. Reports indicate that the federation has been dealing with serious budgetary problems, while its president, Said Ali Said Athouman, has previously spoken publicly about the lack of sponsors and the financial pressure facing the country's football administration.

Athouman has previously highlighted the challenges of funding football in Comoros. He said the federation had no sponsors and questioned how smaller football nations could compete with better-funded countries that have greater resources for player development, infrastructure and equipment.

The withdrawal comes at an important stage of the qualification cycle. A total of 42 nations were initially involved in the race for the seven available places at the 2027 U-23 AFCON finals, with hosts Egypt already guaranteed a place.

The 2027 tournament will also have major Olympic significance. The competition forms part of Africa's qualification pathway for the men's football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making progression through the qualifiers particularly important for the participating nations.

Comoros' withdrawal is another setback for a federation that has openly acknowledged financial constraints affecting its football operations. The decision also changes the qualifying route for Madagascar, who now move forward without having to play their scheduled first-round fixtures.

 

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