RABAT — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a historic change to the calendar of its flagship tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated on Saturday that the continental showpiece will shift from its traditional two-year cycle to being held once every four years, following the tournament scheduled for 2028.
The change is part of a major restructuring of the African football calendar aimed at better aligning with the congested global fixture list.
“As part of this arrangement, the AFCON now will take place once every four years,” Motsepe told reporters in Rabat, Morocco, on the eve of the 2025 tournament’s opening match.
He explained that the introduction of a new annual competition, the African Nations League—modeled after the UEFA Nations League—would help fill the financial gap for member associations created by the reduced frequency of AFCON tournaments.
“Then after the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029 we will have the first African Nations League… with more prize money, more resources, more competition,” Motsepe added.
The AFCON has been held biennially since its inception in 1957, but its scheduling has faced challenges in recent years. The 2028 edition will be the last under the old format before the new four-year cycle begins.
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Tag: Sports, Football, AFCON, CAF
Disclaimer: This report is based on an official announcement by the Confederation of African Football. The views and plans stated are those of the football governing body.
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