CAF reviews decision to switch Africa Cup of Nations to four-year cycle

30 October 2026 · Algeria Now

The executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided on Thursday to review its decision taken last year to switch the Africa Cup of Nations from a biennial to a four-year cycle. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the change in December 2025 during a press conference in Morocco, influenced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with the format scheduled to take effect after the 2028 edition.

The review follows consultations with affiliated national federations, the majority of which called for a return to staging the tournament every two years.

The reversal is driven by commercial and financial concerns. The executive committee determined that a proposed African Nations League would take years to match the revenue generated by the Africa Cup of Nations, CAF's primary income source. Holding the competition every four years threatened the governing body's financial stability and development grants to member federations.

The change in direction highlights the hesitation and disarray marking the continental body under Motsepe's presidency.

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CAF reviews decision to switch Africa Cup of Nations to four-year cycle

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