The AFCON schedule could remain on a two-year cycle after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed it is reconsidering plans to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said on Friday that discussions were underway about the competition’s future schedule, raising the possibility of reversing a decision announced in December 2025.
Speaking at a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde, Motsepe stressed that African football authorities would make decisions based on the continent’s interests.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, published by Al Jazeera, the announcement follows criticism of the proposed changes to Africa’s biggest international football tournament.
AFCON schedule under review by CAF
CAF announced in December 2025 that the Africa Cup of Nations would move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule beginning in 2028.
The proposed change aimed to align the competition more closely with FIFA’s international football calendar.
However, the decision sparked debate among football officials and supporters during the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Critics questioned whether the new schedule would benefit African football or primarily accommodate the interests of European clubs and international governing bodies.
Motsepe said CAF had reopened discussions about the tournament’s frequency.
He confirmed that returning AFCON to a two-year cycle was among the options being considered.
However, CAF has not announced a final decision, meaning the proposed four-year schedule remains subject to further review.
CAF president rejects claims of FIFA influence
Motsepe also rejected suggestions that FIFA or UEFA had pressured CAF into changing the tournament’s schedule.
The CAF president, who also serves as a FIFA vice-president, insisted that African football authorities retain control over their decisions.
“My No. 1 job, my No. 1 duty is to protect, promote, and advance the interests of Africa,” Motsepe said.
He explained that CAF must sometimes take firm positions when defending African football’s priorities.
His remarks came during the final day of a three-day CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde.
The discussions covered the future development of African football and its relationship with international governing bodies.
Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the conference.
AFCON 2027 to proceed in East Africa
Despite uncertainty surrounding future tournament schedules, Motsepe confirmed that AFCON 2027 would take place as planned.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are preparing to jointly host the competition.
The tournament will mark a major occasion for East African football, bringing the continental championship to three host countries.
Recent media reports have raised concerns about construction delays and preparations for the event.
Some reports also suggested that certain CAF officials wanted the competition moved to another location.
However, Motsepe dismissed doubts about the hosting arrangements and reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to the three countries.
He acknowledged that preparations could face difficulties but expressed confidence in the hosts.
What happens next for AFCON?
The future of the AFCON schedule remains an important issue for African national teams, football federations and clubs.
Holding the competition every two years provides more frequent opportunities for national teams to compete for the continental title.
A four-year cycle would reduce the tournament’s frequency and bring it closer to the schedules used by several other major international football competitions.
CAF must also consider player availability, broadcasting arrangements, commercial partnerships and the international match calendar.
For now, no final decision has been announced on whether AFCON will retain its two-year format beyond the upcoming tournament.
The next Africa Cup of Nations remains scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.