The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has defended the decision to maintain the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a two-year cycle. He explained that the decision was taken to protect the interests of African football, the continent's 54 member associations, and African players employed by clubs outside the continent. This decision was made by the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO).
Under the new schedule, the tournament will continue to be held every two years until the 2028 edition. After that, it will move to a three-year cycle, with subsequent tournaments scheduled for 2031 and 2033. Motsepe cited concerns about the time required for a proposed Africa Nations League to deliver significant financial and football development benefits to the game. The Africa Nations League is expected to be a Pan-African competition.
The next AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament. Motsepe expressed confidence in the three countries' ability to stage a successful competition. He pointed to the 2030 FIFA World Cup as a factor in the scheduling of subsequent AFCON tournaments. The FIFA World Cup tradition may affect the scheduling of the AFCON and other Confederations National Teams competitions.
Motsepe emphasized the tournament's cultural significance, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate Africa's diversity and unite people across the continent and beyond. The AFCON competition brings people together from Africa's 54 countries, the African Diaspora, and throughout the world. This unity is a key aspect of the tournament.
The CAF president maintained that the decision would contribute to the growth and development of football across Africa. He stated that the CAF EXCO decision is in the best interest of African football and CAF's 54 member associations. This decision will also contribute significantly to the development and growth of football in Africa.
The decision to shift the AFCON cycle to 2031 and 2033 editions takes into account the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2030. According to Motsepe, the final tournament of the AFCON and other Confederations National Teams competitions may not take place during the year of the FIFA World Cup. This scheduling consideration is crucial for African football.
Motsepe's decision aims to advance, protect, and promote the interest of African football. The CAF president is confident that the new schedule will benefit African football and its stakeholders. The 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is expected to be a successful tournament.
Key points
- The CAF has decided to maintain the AFCON on a two-year cycle until 2028.
- The tournament will shift to a three-year cycle with subsequent tournaments scheduled for 2031 and 2033.
- The decision aims to protect the interests of African football, its 54 member associations, and African players employed by clubs outside the continent.
