Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has firmly dismissed claims that the decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar was influenced by pressure from FIFA, insisting that the move was a deliberate and independent choice made in the best interests of African football.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, January 17, 2026, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final currently taking place in Morocco, Motsepe clarified that CAF’s decision to stage AFCON every four years starting in 2028 was reached after extensive internal consultations and strategic reflection. He emphasized that the reform reflects Africa’s growing confidence in managing its own football destiny.
In late 2025, CAF officially announced that following the 2027 edition of AFCON, the tournament would transition from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year format beginning in 2028. The announcement sparked widespread debate across the continent, with some observers suggesting that the change mirrored long-standing proposals previously voiced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had argued that the tournament calendar was overly congested.
Addressing these concerns directly, Motsepe rejected the notion that CAF acted under external influence. He stressed that the confederation’s leadership reached the decision independently after carefully evaluating what would best serve African players, national teams, fans, and football development across the continent.
“There is no better decision we have made than moving this tournament to a four-year cycle,” Motsepe said. “Every stakeholder was considered, and the outcome benefits African football as a whole. This is a positive decision for Africa because it strengthens the value of our competition and contributes to the long-term growth of the game.”
Motsepe acknowledged that discussions around AFCON’s frequency had existed for several years, including proposals from global football leaders, but insisted that CAF’s final position was shaped by its own vision and priorities. He emphasized the importance of African institutions taking ownership of their decisions without relying on guidance from external bodies.
“We must be independent as Africans and have confidence in our own judgment,” he stated. “This was not done because FIFA said this or UEFA said that. We are making the right decisions, and it is knowledge and confidence we should pass on to all Africans. In three years’ time, people will clearly see why this was the correct choice.”
For decades, AFCON has been held every two years, a format that ensured regular competition but often conflicted with European club calendars, where many of Africa’s top players compete. These conflicts frequently led to tensions between clubs and national teams, with some players missing matches or being released late.
CAF believes that shifting to a four-year cycle will significantly enhance the tournament’s prestige while ensuring full participation from Africa’s elite footballers. With more preparation time, national teams are expected to compete at a higher technical level, while fans can anticipate a more globally visible and commercially attractive competition.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, will be the final edition played under the current two-year system. From 2028 onward, AFCON will align with a longer cycle similar to major international tournaments elsewhere in the world.
Beyond AFCON, CAF has also unveiled major structural reforms aimed at modernizing African football competitions. One of the most significant changes is the discontinuation of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament exclusively reserved for players competing in domestic leagues across the continent.
CHAN will be replaced by a newly created competition known as the African Nations League. This tournament will bring together all 54 CAF member associations and is scheduled to be played annually starting in 2029. Matches will take place during the FIFA international windows in September, October, and November, allowing seamless integration into the global football calendar.
The African Nations League is designed to provide regular competitive fixtures for national teams, improve match quality, and enhance commercial opportunities for African football. CAF officials believe the new format will strengthen competitiveness among nations while offering players greater exposure at the international level.
Similar tournaments already exist in other regions. Europe has successfully implemented the UEFA Nations League, which has become an integral part of its international calendar, while Asia is preparing to launch its own version, the AFC Nations League. CAF’s adoption of this model reflects Africa’s intent to remain competitive and innovative within the global football landscape.
Motsepe noted that these reforms are part of a broader strategy to increase the value, visibility, and sustainability of African football. He argued that fewer but higher-quality competitions will attract stronger sponsorships, improve broadcasting rights, and generate more revenue that can be reinvested into grassroots development and infrastructure.
The CAF president also highlighted the importance of fan experience, stating that spreading major tournaments over longer cycles allows supporters to build anticipation and engage more deeply with national teams. He believes this approach will ultimately strengthen emotional connections between fans and African football.
As AFCON continues in Morocco, CAF officials remain confident that the ongoing tournament, combined with the upcoming reforms, demonstrates the confederation’s commitment to progress. Motsepe concluded by reiterating that African football is entering a new era defined by self-belief, strategic planning, and global competitiveness.
With AFCON’s calendar realigned and the African Nations League on the horizon, CAF is positioning itself to reshape the future of football on the continent, driven by African leadership and guided by long-term vision rather than external pressure.
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