Motsepe Announces Major AFCON U-Turn, Confirms Return To Two-Year Cycle
By Sportsgister
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its controversial decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the continental showpiece will return to its traditional two-year cycle.
The decision was unanimously approved by the CAF Executive Committee, marking a major shift in the organisation’s competition calendar following an earlier proposal to move the tournament to a four-year format.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained that the decision followed a reassessment of the proposed Africa Nations League, which was initially expected to become the continent’s major biennial football competition.
According to Motsepe, the proposed competition would require several years to generate the financial resources necessary to strengthen African football, improve CAF competitions and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
He stressed that the decision to retain the AFCON’s two-year schedule was taken in the best interest of African football and the confederation’s 54 member associations, while also taking into consideration the welfare of African players representing clubs outside the continent.
“The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations,” Motsepe said.
Under the revised schedule, the next edition of the AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament.
Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, while the 2030 edition will be skipped to avoid a clash with the FIFA World Cup.
Motsepe expressed confidence in the successful organisation of the 2027 tournament, describing the AFCON as a vital platform for showcasing Africa’s football talent, rich culture and unity.
The reversal represents a significant development for African football, bringing an end to uncertainty surrounding the future frequency of the continent’s flagship national team competition.
With the return to a biennial format, African football supporters can look forward to watching the continent’s top national teams compete for the prestigious AFCON title every two years.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
