AFCON TO HOLD EVERY TWO YEARS AGAIN — CAF

The Confederation of African Football has reversed its plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, announcing a return to a two-year cycle.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the Executive Committee unanimously approved the decision following the organisation’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde.

The reversal follows a review of plans to introduce an Africa Nations League, which was intended to take place every two years alongside a less frequent AFCON.

According to Motsepe, CAF was concerned that the proposed competition would take several years to generate the funding needed to support African football and strengthen its tournaments.

He said retaining AFCON’s two-year format would better serve the continent’s 54 member associations and African players based overseas.

The next tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027. Motsepe expressed confidence that the three East African countries would deliver a successful competition.

CAF also listed subsequent editions for 2028, 2031 and 2033. Those dates do not follow a consistent two-year interval, reflecting a transition schedule that the organisation said takes account of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Motsepe emphasised that AFCON’s importance extends beyond football and revenue, describing it as a celebration of Africa’s cultures and a gathering point for supporters across the continent and diaspora.

He maintained that the decision would help support football development and strengthen CAF’s member associations.