AFCON trophy
President of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe has announced a landmark change to the Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that the continent’s flagship tournament will move from a biennial schedule to a four-year cycle.
Motsepe made the announcement on Saturday, December 20, while speaking to the media ahead of the opening of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, which got underway on yesterday.
The decision brings to an end a tradition that has seen the tournament staged every two years since 1968.
The CAF president explained that the transition will not be immediate, with the new format set to take effect after the 2027 edition, which will be hosted in Eastern Africa.
He noted that the 2028 tournament will still be played before the four-year cycle is fully implemented.
According to Motsepe, the move is part of a broader vision to modernise and strengthen African football. He described the changes as an exciting new structure designed to elevate the game across the continent.
CAF believes the revised calendar will improve the overall quality of the AFCON by allowing host nations more time to prepare, while also reducing the increasing strain placed on players and clubs due to congested schedules.
In a further sign of CAF’s long-term planning, Motsepe also revealed plans to introduce an African Nations League, with the new competition expected to be launched in 2029.