CAF Reinstates Biennial Africa Cup of Nations Format
In a major strategic U-turn, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to being held every two years. This decision reverses a previous plan to move the continent’s flagship tournament to a quadrennial cycle.
The CAF Executive Committee, meeting in Cairo, reached the unanimous decision after reassessing the economic and sporting impact of the four-year format. CAF leadership determined that the biennial schedule is essential for the financial stability of African football and the development of the sport across the continent.
Protecting the Future of African Football
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who first hinted at the reversal during a strategic conference in Cape Verde last year, emphasized that the move is designed to protect the interests of Africa’s 54 member associations. A key factor in the decision was the realization that the proposed African Nations League—originally intended to fill the gaps between a four-year AFCON—would take several years to become financially viable.
“The decision meets the need to promote the interests of African football and the players who represent our continent globally,” Motsepe said. By maintaining the biennial format, CAF ensures a consistent stream of revenue and international exposure that a four-year cycle could not yet guarantee.
The Road Ahead: 2027 to 2033
CAF also confirmed the roadmap for the next decade of competition. The 2027 edition is set to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following that, tournaments are scheduled for 2029, 2031, and 2033.
The schedule features a strategic three-year gap between 2027 and 2030 to avoid a calendar clash with the 2030 FIFA World Cup, ensuring that Africa’s premier tournament does not compete for viewership and resources with the global event.
Lingering Controversy Over 2025 Title
While the future of the tournament is now clear, its recent past remains mired in legal drama. A final decision regarding the winner of the 2025 AFCON is still pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The 2025 final in Rabat ended in chaos when Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, the victory was marred by a mass protest from Senegalese players against the officiating. Following the match, a CAF appeals jury stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco via administrative decision. The Senegalese Football Federation appealed the ruling, and a final verdict from CAS is expected by late November.
Image: Pexels – Guylain Kipoke
