CAF asks member associations to decide between two-year and four-year AFCON cycle

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has asked its member associations to state whether the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should continue to be held every two years or move to a four-year cycle.

The associations have until Wednesday, October 28, to submit their positions as debate intensifies over the future format of Africa’s flagship international football tournament.

Early indications suggest that many associations may favour retaining the existing biennial schedule, although their submissions are expected to inform further discussions on the competition’s future.

The consultation comes amid uncertainty over plans announced by CAF president Patrice Motsepe in December 2025 to move AFCON to a four-year cycle from 2028.

The proposal formed part of broader efforts to review African football competitions and address growing demands on the international football calendar.

However, opposition to the proposed change has reportedly prompted a reconsideration of the plan, with stakeholders divided over the implications of reducing the frequency of the tournament.

Why some associations want AFCON to remain every two years

Supporters of the current format argue that holding AFCON every two years provides regular opportunities for national teams to compete for continental honours and gives players more chances to represent their countries at the highest level.

They also believe the existing schedule creates opportunities for more African nations to host the tournament, potentially encouraging investment in stadiums, training facilities, transport networks and other infrastructure.

Hosting AFCON can generate economic benefits through tourism, investment and job creation, with visiting supporters, teams and officials contributing to demand for accommodation, transport and hospitality services.

A biennial competition also provides regular commercial opportunities for broadcasters, sponsors and other partners while keeping African national-team football in the spotlight.

For countries seeking to strengthen their football infrastructure, hosting the tournament can serve as a catalyst for investment and wider sporting development.

Supporters of the existing schedule further argue that more frequent editions give national teams regular opportunities to assess their progress, develop their squads and compete against the continent’s leading sides.

Four-year cycle could reshape African football

Moving AFCON to a four-year schedule would mark a significant departure from the tournament’s established tradition.

Supporters of the proposal could argue that a longer cycle would give organisers more time to prepare each edition and help ease pressure on an increasingly congested international football calendar.

A four-year format would also bring AFCON into line with the scheduling of major tournaments such as the European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

However, the change would mean fewer editions over time, reducing the frequency of hosting opportunities for African countries and the number of times national teams could compete for the continental title.

The implications would extend to players, coaches, national associations, sponsors and supporters, particularly those who view AFCON as a vital platform for showcasing African football.

The debate also raises questions about balancing the demands of international competitions with club football commitments, as players face increasingly crowded schedules.

CAF General Assembly expected to discuss proposal

The issue is expected to feature prominently at the CAF General Assembly scheduled for 21 November in Nigeria.

Motsepe is reportedly expected to put the proposal to a vote at the meeting, potentially giving member associations the opportunity to determine whether AFCON should retain its two-year cycle or move to a four-year schedule.

The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the organisation of international football in Africa and the commercial future of the continent’s biggest national-team competition.

The debate also touches on the future of other African competitions, including the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which provides a platform for players competing in their domestic leagues.

Concerns about preserving opportunities for locally based players and coaches have added another dimension to discussions about the structure and frequency of continental competitions.

What happens next?

CAF’s request gives member associations an opportunity to communicate their preferences before further decisions are taken on the tournament’s future.

The immediate focus is on the submissions due by Wednesday, which could provide an indication of the level of support for retaining the existing format or adopting a four-year cycle.

Although early indications point towards support for the biennial schedule among many associations, the final positions of the members and the outcome of any subsequent vote remain to be established.

The decision will help determine how frequently African national teams compete for continental honours and how AFCON contributes to football development, commercial growth and investment across the continent.

For now, the future of the tournament remains the subject of debate as CAF weighs the traditions of African football against the demands of the modern international calendar.