CAF considers restoring Africa Cup of Nations to two-year cycle

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) could abandon its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, less than 12 months after announcing the proposed change.

CAF’s Executive Committee is expected to discuss a return to a biennial tournament, according to journalist Romain Molina. The potential reversal would represent a major change of direction for CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who had presented the move to a four-year cycle as one of his key projects.

Motsepe confirmed that the proposal was under review while attending CAF’s Strategic Conference in Cape Verde on Friday.

“We are examining the possibility of bringing the Africa Cup of Nations back every two years. It is under review,” he said.

The original reform was announced by Motsepe on 20 December 2025, shortly before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Under that plan, the 2027 tournament – to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – would be followed by another edition in 2028, before the competition moved to a four-year schedule.

The change would have ended almost seven decades of tradition. The tournament has generally been held every two years since its creation in 1957, apart from a small number of exceptions.

CAF’s decision was strongly criticised by supporters and observers of African football. Many believed the reform reflected further concessions to FIFA and European clubs, which have often objected to the disruption caused by the Africa Cup of Nations to domestic and club schedules.

There were also concerns about the potential impact on the economic interests of African football, given that the continent would host fewer editions of its main international competition.

As part of the proposed adjustment, Motsepe had announced plans for an African Nations League. The new competition was intended to provide national teams with a regular tournament to offset the reduction in the number of Africa Cup of Nations events.

CAF had continued working on that project in recent months. A special committee was established to develop its format and determine a possible schedule.

However, Molina reported that the possible return to a two-year cycle was not solely the result of criticism of the original reform.

He linked the situation to growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA. Differences between the two organisations over the governance and future direction of world football have intensified following recent controversies involving FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has received unwavering support from CAF.

According to Molina, the possibility of restoring a biennial Africa Cup of Nations is directly connected to that dispute between the two governing bodies. The precise mechanisms behind any change in CAF’s position remain unclear.

A reversal would nevertheless mark a striking shift for CAF, coming only a few months after it defended the four-year cycle as a necessary development for African football.