The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the continental tournament will return to a two-year cycle.
The decision was reached unanimously by CAF’s Executive Committee on Thursday, 29 October, following discussions about the future of African football competitions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe had earlier indicated that the governing body would reconsider the four-year format, which was introduced as part of plans to restructure the international football calendar.
Speaking at CAF’s Strategic Conference in Cape Verde from 7 to 9 October, Motsepe raised concerns about the financial implications of replacing the biennial AFCON with a proposed African Nations League.
The African Nations League was initially planned as a competition held every two years, with the long-term intention of replacing the existing AFCON format. However, CAF now says the new competition would take several years to generate enough revenue to support football development across the continent.
In its statement, CAF said retaining AFCON’s two-year cycle would help safeguard the financial interests of African football while ensuring continued support for its 54 member associations.
Motsepe said the decision was intended to protect African football, its member associations and players competing for clubs outside the continent. He also emphasised the need to ensure that CAF competitions remain financially sustainable as the governing body considers introducing new tournaments.
CAF also confirmed the dates for the next four AFCON tournaments, with the 2027 edition scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament will mark the first time the three East African countries have jointly hosted AFCON. Motsepe expressed confidence in their preparations and the successful delivery of the competition.
The subsequent editions will be held in 2028, 2031 and 2033.
The schedule also takes into account the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with CAF explaining that it may avoid organising continental national team competitions during a World Cup year to accommodate the international football calendar.
Although CAF has restored AFCON’s biennial format, the confirmed schedule means that the tournament will not be held at exactly two-year intervals in every cycle.
