The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years instead of every two years has sparked strong reactions. The announcement, made on Saturday, December 20, has divided opinion between supporters and staunch opponents, with the latter viewing it as a concession to FIFA and powerful European clubs.
South African Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, made the controversial announcement on the eve of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, stating the change would take effect from 2028 to align with the global football calendar. To compensate, a new annual competition inspired by UEFA’s Nations League, adapted for Africa, will launch in 2029.
“Africa Must Be Respected”
Among those surprised by the decision, Mali’s Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet was first to criticize, targeting both CAF and FIFA. “Since 1957, Africa has organized AFCON every two years. But now they say it will be every four years. This is not normal. Africa must be respected,” he declared before his Eagles’ opening match.
His compatriot Paul Put, Uganda’s coach, pointedly asked whether the issue stemmed from the World Cup and Club World Cup, echoing criticisms of FIFA president Gianni Infantino for allegedly prioritizing his competitions over AFCON.
Historic Tensions Between European and African Football
These tensions aren’t new. In August 2022, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis sparked controversy by saying he wouldn’t recruit African players unless they agreed not to participate in AFCON. In November 2021, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp caused outrage by calling AFCON a “little tournament,” though he later defended himself.
Responding to critics, Motsepe justified his decision as protecting African players. “Of course, our first duty is to African football, but we also have a duty to African players playing at top European clubs,” he emphasized, adding that the reform aims to ensure the best African players can return to Africa annually.
Internal CAF Criticism
Even within CAF, some accuse Motsepe of enabling powerful European clubs and FIFA to avoid releasing their African internationals for over a month every two years. “The committee wasn’t consulted before this announcement. We were surprised because it raises organizational questions requiring thorough discussion,” an anonymous CAF competitions department source told AFP.
The source noted that organizing consecutive AFCONs is extremely difficult, especially with the 2027 tournament scheduled for summer, leaving only two international windows for 2028 qualifying if that edition occurs early in the year.
Financial Gamble
The decision represents a risky financial bet. Approximately 80% of CAF’s current revenue comes from the biennial AFCON, according to ESPN. To compensate, Motsepe announced increased prize money for the 2025 winner—from $7 million to $10 million—plus future increases for the African Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Mixed Reactions
Coaches have cautiously responded. Morocco’s Walid Regragui noted: “There are positive and negative aspects. The biennial format allowed many teams to progress and develop, or rebuild quickly after failure.”
Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez spoke for supporters: “I think it will make the competition more attractive.”
