CAF Reconsiders Four-Year AFCON Cycle, Motsepe Says

The Confederation of African Football is reconsidering its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said on Friday.

Motsepe said the organisation had revisited the tournament schedule during CAF’s three-day strategy conference in Cape Verde and was considering all available options, including restoring a two-year cycle.

“The AFCON … we are looking at everything, including having the AFCON coming back every two years,” Motsepe said on the final day of the conference.

Review of the tournament schedule

CAF had previously announced that the competition would move to a four-year cycle from 2028. Motsepe announced the change in December, and the decision was aligned with FIFA’s international calendar.

The plan drew criticism during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Some critics argued that the change reflected European preferences at the expense of African interests.

Motsepe said CAF was reviewing the issue as an African football matter and rejected suggestions that the confederation was acting on instructions from FIFA or UEFA.

He described claims that CAF was being directed by either organisation as “nonsense, absolute rubbish.” Motsepe also said his primary responsibility was to “protect, promote, and advance the interests of Africa.”

CAF has not announced a final decision, and Motsepe’s remarks do not confirm that the four-year schedule has been formally cancelled.

2027 tournament remains on schedule

Motsepe also reaffirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as planned.

His statement followed media reports from France alleging that construction projects connected to the tournament were behind schedule and that some CAF members wanted the event moved. Those reports have not been independently confirmed in the available information.

“You have to believe in Africa. There will be problems, there will be failures, fine, but we will be there,” Motsepe said while defending the hosting arrangements.

The CAF president’s comments came amid wider discussion about the confederation’s relationship with global football authorities. Motsepe said CAF’s 54-member body unanimously supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

According to the source material, Infantino has reminded potential election voters of FIFA investments in African football since he became president 10 years ago.

For now, CAF’s position on the future frequency of the Africa Cup of Nations remains under review, while the 2027 edition continues to be planned for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.