Full Breakdown
CAF Reopens Debate on Africa Cup of Nations Schedule
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: CAF Considers Reverting AFCON to a Biennial Format
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that it is reviewing the decision to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle beginning after the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The discussion took place at a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde.
Background & Context: From Biennial Tradition to Quadrennial Plans
Since its inception in 1968, AFCON has been held every two years, with only a single one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions. In December 2025, CAF announced a plan to move the competition to a four-year cycle after the 2027 edition, citing the upcoming African Nations League (to start in 2029) as a reason for the change. The proposal attracted widespread criticism from national associations, which warned of reduced visibility for their teams and commercial disadvantages, and raised concerns about fitting the tournament into FIFA’s international calendar.
Official Statements & Responses
Patrice Motsepe, a South African billionaire and CAF president, reiterated CAF’s “unanimous” support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who had previously urged a four-year cycle. Motsepe also reaffirmed confidence that the 2027 tournament will proceed as scheduled despite reported construction delays in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. He framed the schedule review as a response to “lots of issues” raised by African stakeholders and positioned the debate as an African-led decision, not one dictated by FIFA or UEFA.
Data & Statistics: Schedule History and Upcoming Editions
Why It Matters / Impact
Reinstating a biennial rhythm could enhance the visibility of African national teams, improve commercial revenue streams, and align the tournament more closely with domestic league calendars. Conversely, maintaining a four-year cycle would reduce scheduling congestion and potentially allow the African Nations League to occupy the intervening years, but may limit exposure for smaller footballing nations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that CAF is reviewing the schedule, but no definitive timeline or decision has been announced. Details on how the potential reversion would affect the African Nations League, broadcasting contracts, or the 2029 calendar remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The AFCON — because this is one of the issues we’re talking about — we took a decision as Africa because there were lots of issues, but I can guarantee you we have discussed it over the last few days to say we are looking at everything, including having the AFCON coming back every two years,” — Patrice Motsepe, CAF president
- “We've discussed it over the last few days. We are looking at everything including having the AFCON coming back every two years. We are very clear,” — Patrice Motsepe, CAF president
- “We are going to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda next year. It's going to be enormously successful,” — Patrice Motsepe, CAF president
- “We've discussed it over the last few days.” — Patrice Motsepe, CAF president