CAF reconsiders four-year AFCON format as Motsepe opens door to biennial return

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering reversing its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, with president Patrice Motsepe confirming that a return to the traditional two-year format is under review.

Motsepe disclosed the development on Friday during a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde, signalling a possible rethink of a scheduling change that has generated widespread debate across African football.

“We have discussed things over the last few days and are looking at everything, including having the AFCON come back every two years,” Motsepe said, according to Reuters.

The review comes less than a year after CAF announced plans to move the men’s continental championship from a biennial competition to a four-year cycle.

The proposed change was intended to make room for a new annual African Nations League competition and help improve the commercial value of CAF’s tournaments.

The decision attracted criticism because AFCON is one of Africa’s biggest sporting events, drawing millions of viewers and providing national teams with a regular opportunity to compete for continental honours.

Why CAF is reconsidering the decision

AFCON has traditionally been played every two years since its early editions, making it a regular fixture for national teams, players and supporters across the continent.

The move to a four-year schedule raised concerns about the reduced frequency of the competition and its potential impact on revenue, sponsorship opportunities and the visibility of African football.

A return to the biennial format could restore the tournament’s established rhythm while allowing CAF to reconsider how its other competitions fit into the international football calendar.

The scheduling debate also carries commercial implications. A report by The Guardian in August said CAF had abandoned a potential commercial arrangement worth at least $1 billion over eight years after its decision to reduce the frequency of AFCON made the existing rights process unworkable.

The financial stakes have added another dimension to discussions about how often the tournament should be held and how CAF can maximise its commercial appeal.

What happens to the next AFCON?

The next edition is scheduled for 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to co-host the tournament.

The planned return to a four-year cycle had placed the following edition in 2032. A reversal could change that longer-term schedule, although CAF has yet to announce a final decision on the proposed return to biennial tournaments.

Motsepe’s remarks indicate that the governing body is reviewing the format, but they do not amount to a confirmed change in the competition calendar.

Any adjustment would need to account for the demands of international football, including FIFA competitions, club schedules and the proposed African Nations League.

A major decision for African football

The outcome could shape the future of international football on the continent, particularly for countries that depend on AFCON for competitive exposure, commercial opportunities and engagement with supporters.

For national teams, a biennial tournament offers more frequent opportunities to challenge for a major title. For CAF, the challenge is to balance that sporting value with a sustainable calendar and stronger revenues.

The governing body’s review suggests the debate over AFCON’s frequency is far from settled.