The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its earlier decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, restoring the tournament to its traditional two-year cycle.
In December, CAF announced plans to change the competition’s schedule to a four-year cycle. However, following a review, the continental football governing body has decided to maintain the biennial format.
Under the previous proposal, CAF had planned to introduce an African Nations League, which was expected to replace AFCON as its major biennial competition. However, the organisation acknowledged that it would take several years for the proposed league to generate sufficient revenue to become financially self-sustaining.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the decision to restore the two-year cycle was intended to protect and promote the interests of African football, the 54 CAF member associations and African players plying their trade at clubs outside the continent.
“The decision by the Executive Committee to reinstate the organisation of the AFCON every two years aims to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football and the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as those of African players playing for clubs outside the continent,” Motsepe said in a statement.
The biennial scheduling of AFCON has historically presented challenges for the international football calendar, particularly because most recent editions have been staged midway through the European club season.
The expansion of FIFA’s Club World Cup to 32 teams, with the competition held in June and July last year, also contributed to scheduling challenges, forcing CAF to consider mid-season dates for its tournaments.
Under the revised schedule, the next AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the continental showpiece.
Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with no tournament planned for 2030 due to the FIFA World Cup.
The decision means African football will retain one of its biggest continental competitions as a biennial event, giving fans across the continent regular opportunities to watch their national teams compete for the prestigious title.
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