AFCON could return to biennial format as CAF reconsiders four-year cycle, says Motsepe

File Image: CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the governing body was reconsidering its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years. | Photo Credit: AFP

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, with president Patrice Motsepe indicating that a return to the biennial format remains a possibility.

Motsepe, who announced last December that AFCON would switch to a four-year cycle from 2028, said discussions at CAF’s three-day strategy conference in Cape Verde had prompted a fresh review of the competition’s future.

The original decision attracted criticism from those who believed the revised schedule prioritised European football interests and FIFA’s international calendar over African football.

However, Motsepe dismissed suggestions that CAF was acting under pressure from FIFA or UEFA, calling the allegations “nonsense, absolute rubbish”.

The South African businessman insisted that protecting and promoting African football remained his foremost responsibility.

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He confirmed that CAF had been examining several possibilities, including restoring AFCON’s traditional two-year cycle, although no final decision has been announced.

Motsepe, who is also a FIFA vice-president, spoke a day after CAF reiterated its unanimous support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who highlighted the governing body’s investments in African football during his decade in office.

The CAF president also addressed concerns surrounding the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, reaffirming that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda would host the tournament as scheduled.

His assurance followed reports questioning the progress of infrastructure projects and suggesting that some CAF officials wanted the competition moved elsewhere.

Motsepe acknowledged that challenges could arise during preparations but maintained his confidence in the three East African host nations.

“You have to believe in Africa,” he said, emphasising the importance of supporting the continent’s ability to organise major sporting events.