AFCON set to return to two-year cycle after backlash over four-year plan

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to return to a two-year cycle, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expected to confirm the decision at its Executive Committee meeting on Thursday.

The proposed change comes after CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced plans for the continent’s flagship international football tournament to move to a four-year cycle from 2028.

The announcement, made ahead of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, sparked criticism from players, coaches and former footballers, who questioned the decision to extend the interval between editions of the competition.

The tournament has traditionally been held every two years, providing African national teams with regular opportunities to compete for continental honours while offering players a major platform to showcase their talents.

A return to the two-year format would represent a significant shift in CAF’s plans for the competition’s future.

Last week, CAF wrote to its member associations seeking their positions on whether AFCON should continue to be staged every two years or move to a four-year cycle.

The associations were given until Wednesday, 28 October, to submit their responses as the debate over the tournament’s format intensified.

The consultation was expected to help CAF assess the views of its member associations before making a decision on the competition’s future schedule.

The proposed four-year cycle had raised concerns about the tournament’s place in the international football calendar, as well as the opportunities it provides for African nations and players to compete at the highest level.

AFCON remains one of the continent’s most important sporting events, attracting millions of viewers and generating significant commercial interest. Its scheduling also has implications for domestic leagues, clubs and players who regularly leave their teams to represent their countries.

The issue is expected to feature prominently at the CAF General Assembly scheduled for 21 November in Nigeria, where the future structure of the competition could receive further attention.

While Thursday’s Executive Committee meeting is expected to provide clarity on the proposed changes, the wider discussion reflects the challenge facing CAF as it seeks to balance the interests of national associations, players, clubs and the international football calendar.

A confirmed return to a two-year cycle would preserve the tournament’s traditional frequency, although further details about the implementation of the schedule would be needed from CAF.

Meanwhile, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 AFCON.