Hervé Renard backs return to biennial Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has backed a return to the Africa Cup of Nations being held every two years, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) considers reversing its decision to move the tournament to a four-year cycle.

CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would be staged every four years from 2028, a move that drew criticism from football officials and fans across the continent.

However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has since indicated that the governing body could reconsider the decision following objections from several stakeholders.

According to Afrik-Foot, a proposal to restore the biennial format is expected to be put to a vote at CAF’s next ordinary general assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, on 21 November.

Renard, who has previously coached several national teams, believes retaining the two-year cycle would be in the best interests of African football.

Speaking to Afrik-Foot, the Frenchman said: “I think returning to holding the Africa Cup of Nations every two years is excellent, and that the tournament should continue as it was in the past. Holding the tournament every four years is far too long in my view, but that is my personal opinion.”

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has also backed a return to the previous format, arguing that AFCON should continue to be played every two years.

The proposed change has become a major talking point in African football, given the tournament’s importance to national teams, players, supporters and football associations across the continent.

Alongside the decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, CAF also announced the abolition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues.

The governing body cited economic viability as the reason for scrapping CHAN.

CAF’s forthcoming general assembly could therefore prove significant in determining the future format of African international football.