The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to revert to a biennial Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) format, reversing a decision made last year to switch to a quadrennial schedule. This decision was made during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee. The change was announced on the CAF website, citing the need for more time to launch the African Nations League, a new competition intended to alternate with the CAN.
The decision to switch to a quadrennial format was initially announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on December 20, 2025, on the eve of the CAN in Morocco. However, this decision was met with significant backlash from the African football community, with many questioning the economic implications of reducing the frequency of the tournament. The CAN is a major source of revenue for CAF, which uses these funds to support the development of African football.
The African Nations League was proposed as a replacement for the CAN in some years, but it is not yet ready to generate equivalent revenue. A recent consultation by CAF confirmed that member federations prefer the traditional biennial format. Several key figures in African football, including Hervé Renard, expressed concerns about the impact of a quadrennial CAN on the sport's visibility and economic stability.
The biennial CAN has been a staple of African football since 1957. The competition provides a regular platform for national teams and their supporters, and its economic benefits are significant. By maintaining the biennial format, CAF aims to preserve the visibility of African football, support national federations, and ensure a consistent schedule for teams and fans.
Patrice Motsepe will have to navigate a significant change of direction, having defended the quadrennial format less than a year ago. This reversal raises questions about CAF's governance and its ability to balance economic imperatives, global football interests, and the specific needs of African football. The stakes are high, with the goal of preserving the CAN's sporting and commercial value while supporting the long-term development of African football.
The decision to return to a biennial CAN format is seen as a strategic choice for the future of African football. It aims to address concerns about the sport's visibility, economic stability, and development. CAF will need to work to ensure that the CAN remains a premier event in African football, while also exploring new opportunities for growth and revenue.
The change in format is a significant development for African football, and its impact will be closely watched by fans, federations, and sponsors. As CAF moves forward with the biennial CAN, it will need to address ongoing challenges and capitalize on new opportunities to drive growth and success in the sport.
Key points
- CAF has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, returning to a biennial format due to concerns about the economic and sporting implications of the change.
