Caf considers bringing Africa Cup of Nations back to two-year cycle

Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe says the organisation is reviewing its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) every four years.

Motsepe was speaking at a Caf strategy conference in Cape Verde on Friday, where he confirmed that a return to a biennial tournament is among the options being discussed.

“We have discussed things over the past few days and are looking at everything, including having the Afcon come back every two years,” he said.

The move to a four-year schedule has been unpopular in several quarters, given that the African continental championship has traditionally been held every two years.

Motsepe announced in December that Afcon finals would take place in 2027 and 2028, with the following tournament scheduled for 2032. A four-year gap between subsequent editions was also planned.

The revised calendar was intended to make room for a new annual Nations League competition. Motsepe said at the time that the format would generate more revenue.

The Africa Cup of Nations was first staged in 1957 and has generally been played every two years.