The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has abandoned plans to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, opting to retain the competition’s traditional two-year cycle.
The decision followed a unanimous agreement by members of the CAF Executive Committee and was announced by the organisation’s president, Patrice Motsepe, after its Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde.
The reversal brings an end to proposals that would have significantly altered the scheduling of Africa’s biggest international football competition.
CAF had previously considered moving AFCON to a four-year cycle, alongside the introduction of an Africa Nations League intended to provide competitive fixtures between tournaments.
However, the governing body concluded that the proposed Nations League would require several years to deliver the financial returns and developmental benefits necessary to support African football.
Motsepe explained that retaining the existing format was considered a more practical approach to protecting the interests of the continent’s football associations and players.
According to him, CAF’s decisions must reflect the needs of its 54 member associations while also considering the circumstances of African footballers competing for clubs outside the continent.
The president maintained that AFCON remained central to the growth, visibility and commercial development of football across Africa.
Under the revised tournament calendar, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 edition of the competition.
The three East African countries are preparing to stage the tournament together, marking a significant undertaking for football development in the region.
Motsepe expressed confidence in their ability to organise a successful competition, describing AFCON as an important platform for displaying African football talent and celebrating the continent’s cultural diversity.
Following the 2027 tournament, subsequent editions have been scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
The announced dates also reflect CAF’s efforts to accommodate other major international competitions within the global football calendar.
Motsepe explained that the scheduling adjustments were intended to minimise conflicts with the FIFA World Cup, particularly the tournament scheduled for 2030.
The relationship between AFCON’s calendar and international club football has remained an important consideration because many African internationals play for teams in Europe and other regions.
CAF’s latest decision therefore preserves the competition’s established identity while allowing adjustments to individual tournament dates.
The proposed Africa Nations League had been considered a possible alternative source of regular international competition and commercial opportunities.
However, concerns about the time required to establish its financial and developmental value contributed to the decision to retain AFCON’s existing structure.
With the four-year proposal now withdrawn, CAF has reaffirmed the importance of its flagship national team competition to the continent’s football development.
Attention will now turn to preparations for the 2027 tournament in East Africa and the implementation of the revised competition calendar.
Ezeana Emmanuel
