Former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has openly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) cycle from every two years to every four years.
The announcement came ahead of the 2025 AFCON, with CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe confirming that the new four-year cycle would take effect after the 2028 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
In an interview with Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Le Roy did not hold back in his assessment of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“What does [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino know about anything? What does he know about life? Look at how he has become so close to Donald Trump. It’s sickening.”
Le Roy also criticised Infantino’s behaviour during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, saying it reflected a troubling disregard for African football.
“Football in Africa is under serious attack. It is very wrong to change the AFCON from a two to a four-year event.
“Look at the way Infantino was acting during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, like he owns the place. Can he do this at a UEFA event?. When Issa Hayatou was president, these things would never have happened,” he added.
CAF’s decision has sparked widespread debate, with many fans and football officials calling for the tournament to remain a biennial event.
