CAF reconsiders four-year Africa Cup of Nations cycle amid FIFA-UEFA tensions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering reversing its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, less than 10 months after announcing the reform. CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Friday in Cape Verde that a return to a biennial tournament was among the options being examined.

The possible U-turn has raised questions because CAF had previously presented the four-year cycle as a major reform. French journalist Romain Molina says the original decision, announced in December 2025, was driven largely by international political considerations rather than the interests of African football.

In a video published on his YouTube page, Molina claimed FIFA had sought to accommodate UEFA and leading European clubs, who have frequently objected to releasing their African internationals every two years for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Moving the tournament to a four-year schedule would have reduced the frequency with which European clubs lost players to international duty and would therefore have acted as a concession to them.

That interpretation echoes criticism made when the reform was first announced. Several figures in African football said the decision had been taken without enough consultation with national associations. Others warned that the change could cost the continent revenue and reduce opportunities for development.

CAF had defended the proposal as a major step forward. It was also accompanied by plans for an African Nations League, which was intended to offset the reduction in the number of Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Molina believes, however, that the relationship between FIFA and UEFA has changed significantly in recent months. He argues that, whereas FIFA previously had reasons to avoid antagonising European football authorities, the level of tension between the organisations now means such concessions may no longer be considered necessary.

Against that backdrop, he said FIFA had indicated to CAF that restoring the traditional biennial schedule would no longer create a problem. Molina described the move as part of a “total war” with UEFA, suggesting it could also serve to undermine the interests of European clubs during the dispute between the two bodies.

He believes African football is once again being used in wider international alliances and rivalries, rather than having its own interests placed at the centre of decision-making.

Molina also pointed to financial considerations. He said a majority of African football leaders favoured keeping the Africa Cup of Nations every two years, particularly because of the revenue generated by the competition.

Motsepe strongly rejected claims on Friday that CAF was taking instructions from either FIFA or UEFA. He insisted that defending the interests of African football remained the organisation’s priority.

No final decision has yet been announced. The possibility of a reversal, coming less than a year after the four-year cycle was presented as necessary, is likely to renew questions about CAF’s independence.