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Afcon to Shift to Four-Year Cycle Amid Backlash

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced on December 20 that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be held every four years, a plan critics say lacked proper federation consultation.
Several federation presidents said they were unaware of the decision until Caf president Patrice Motsepe announced it.
Legal experts say such changes require approval from the general assembly.

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Story summary

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced on December 20 that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be held every four years, a plan critics say lacked proper federation consultation.
Several federation presidents said they were unaware of the decision until Caf president Patrice Motsepe announced it.
Legal experts say such changes require approval from the general assembly.