AFCON set to return to two-year cycle as CAF reconsiders plans

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to return to its traditional two-year cycle, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expected to confirm the decision at its Executive Committee meeting on Thursday.

The development would mark a significant change in CAF’s plans after president Patrice Motsepe announced that the continent’s flagship international football tournament would move to a four-year cycle from 2028.

The proposal, announced ahead of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, attracted criticism from players, coaches and former footballers, who questioned the decision to increase the interval between editions of the competition.

AFCON has traditionally been staged every two years, giving African national teams regular opportunities to compete for continental honours while providing players with a major platform to showcase their talents.

Last week, CAF contacted its member associations to seek their views on whether the tournament should retain its two-year format or move to a four-year cycle.

The associations were given until Wednesday, 28 October, to submit their responses as the governing body consulted stakeholders ahead of a decision on the competition’s future.

The proposed change had raised concerns about AFCON’s position in the international football calendar and the potential impact on national teams, players and domestic leagues.

A four-year cycle would mean fewer opportunities for African countries to compete for the continental title, while potentially reducing the frequency of one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.

AFCON attracts millions of viewers and generates significant commercial interest across Africa. Its scheduling also affects clubs and domestic competitions, with teams regularly having to release players for international duty.

A return to the two-year format would preserve the tournament’s traditional frequency, although CAF is yet to provide further details on the implementation of any revised schedule.

The issue is also expected to feature in discussions at the CAF General Assembly scheduled for 21 November in Nigeria, where the future structure of African football’s flagship competition could receive further attention.

Thursday’s Executive Committee meeting is expected to provide greater clarity on CAF’s position as it seeks to balance the interests of member associations, players, clubs and the wider international football calendar.