The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday that the Africa Cup of Nations will again be held every two years, abandoning the four‑year schedule it had planned after the 2028 edition. The reversal was driven by doubts that the new Africa Nations League would generate sufficient revenue for African football in the near term.
What prompted the decision?
- The executive committee voted unanimously to keep the biennial AFCON format.
- Financial projections showed the proposed pan‑African Nations League would need several years before becoming self‑sustaining.
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized protecting the interests of the 54 member associations and players abroad.
- Coaches and players, including former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr and Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, voiced concerns that a four‑year gap would hinder development.
- South Africa coach Hugo Broos defended the longer interval, citing preparation benefits for the World Cup.
Why was the Africa Nations League considered unfeasible?
The league, intended to fill the gap between AFCON tournaments, was slated to start in 2029 as an annual competition. CAF later admitted that the timeline for the league to become financially viable was too long, making it impractical to rely on it as a replacement for the biennial championship.
How will future tournaments be scheduled?
- The 2027 edition will proceed in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July as previously confirmed.
- Subsequent editions are set for 2028, 2031 and 2033, after which the two‑year rhythm will resume.
- The 2030 FIFA World Cup year will be respected, meaning no AFCON will be staged that year, in line with FIFA tradition.
What about the bids for later editions?
CAF has not clarified the status of the bids received for the 2032 and 2036 tournaments, nor whether the Africa Nations League will be launched under a revised format.
What does this mean for African football?
Motsepe stated that restoring the biennial AFCON will support the growth of the sport across the continent, ensuring regular competitive opportunities for national teams and their players.
The decision marks a retreat from the December 2025 restructuring plan that had envisioned AFCON in 2027, 2028 and then a four‑year hiatus until 2032. By reinstating the two‑year cycle, CAF aims to maintain momentum for football development while reassessing the financial model for its proposed Nations League.
Source: CAF statements and comments from coaches and players.