The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fundamentally changed its stance, officially confirming that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every two years. This decision was unanimously adopted by the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO), effectively canceling the controversial move from last year that proposed shifting the continent's main tournament to a four-year cycle.
This reversal occurred following discussions led by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe at the recent CAF Strategic Conference in Cabo Verde. At this conference, the continental governing body agreed to review the future of the tournament.
A central point of the review was the realization that the proposed alternative tournament—the biennial Africa Nations League—is not commercially viable in the short term. This new pan-African competition was initially planned to replace AFCON, but official CAF representatives acknowledged that it would take several years before it could generate sufficient revenue to sustain African football and maintain its global competitiveness.
Dr. Motsepe confirmed that the decision was made to protect the financial foundation of the continent's 54 associations, as well as the interests of African players playing for foreign clubs. He stated: 'The CAF Executive Committee's decision to hold the CAF AFCON every two years is based on promoting, protecting, and advancing the interests of African football and the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as the interests of African players employed in Football Clubs outside of Africa.'
Motsepe also added that they are concerned that it will take several years before the proposed new pan-African tournament, the Africa Nations League, can make a significant financial contribution and contribute to the development of football in Africa and CAF competitions so that they become globally competitive and self-sufficient.
CAF also presented a tournament calendar for the next decade. The next edition is scheduled for 2027 and will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent tournaments will take place in 2028, 2031, and 2033. The AFCON tournament in 2030 will not take place, which complies with FIFA rules prohibiting continental tournaments from coinciding with the FIFA World Cup.
In conclusion, Motsepe noted that 'the AFCON competition is also aimed at celebrating African football and the rich and diverse culture, customs, and traditions of Africa, as well as uniting people from 54 African countries, the African diaspora, and around the world.' He emphasized that 'the CAF Executive Committee's decision serves the best interests of African football and will make a significant contribution to the development and growth of football in Africa.'