CAF considers return to two-year AFCON cycle, Motsepe says

CAF is considering a return to an Africa Cup of Nations every two years, president Patrice Motsepe said on Friday, but he did not announce a decision to reverse the planned four-year schedule.

The review comes after CAF announced in December 2025 that the tournament would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition, alongside plans for an African Nations League from 2029.

Motsepe spoke at the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria on Sal Island, Cape Verde. The October 7–9 meeting brought together representatives of the confederation’s 54 member associations, coaches and other football officials.

He said recent discussions had covered the future of the competition, “including having the AFCON coming back every two years”.

Motsepe also rejected suggestions that CAF’s decisions were made to satisfy European football authorities. He said the organisation’s duty was to protect African football’s interests.

He acknowledged disagreements with UEFA but said cooperation was important because many African players compete in Europe. He said CAF would continue working with other football authorities while defending its own position.

Motsepe did not give a timetable for a decision on AFCON’s cycle.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard