The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has asked its member associations to state whether the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should continue to be held every two years or move to a four-year cycle.

The associations have until Wednesday to submit their positions, as debate intensifies over the future format of Africa’s flagship international football tournament.

Early indications suggest that many associations may favour retaining the current biennial schedule, although their submissions are expected to inform CAF’s discussions on the competition’s future.

The consultation follows a proposal announced by CAF president Patrice Motsepe in December 2025 to move AFCON to a four-year cycle from 2028.

The proposed change would mark a significant departure from the tournament’s traditional format and bring it closer to the scheduling model used for the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship.

However, the plan is reportedly being reconsidered amid opposition from stakeholders who believe holding AFCON every two years remains important for the development and commercial growth of African football.

Why associations want AFCON to remain every two years

Supporters of the existing format argue that a biennial AFCON creates more opportunities for countries to host the tournament, develop sporting infrastructure and generate economic benefits.

Hosting the competition can encourage investment in stadiums, training facilities, transport networks and other infrastructure needed to stage a major international sporting event.

It can also create economic opportunities through tourism, investment and job creation, with visiting supporters, teams and officials generating demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality and other services.

The two-year cycle also provides regular opportunities for national teams to compete for continental honours and gives players more chances to represent their countries at Africa’s biggest international football tournament.

For broadcasters, sponsors and commercial partners, the frequency of the competition offers recurring opportunities to invest in and promote African football.

Proponents of the current system further argue that regular editions help national teams maintain competitive momentum while encouraging governments and football authorities to invest in the wider football ecosystem.

The arguments for a four-year AFCON

A shift to a four-year cycle would give CAF more time between editions to organise the tournament and could increase anticipation surrounding each competition.

The proposal is also linked to efforts to manage an increasingly crowded international football calendar, with national-team competitions competing for space alongside domestic leagues and continental club tournaments.

However, a four-year schedule would mean fewer editions over time, reducing the frequency of hosting opportunities and the number of times players could compete for the African title.

The change could also affect the commercial opportunities available to host countries, broadcasters and sponsors, as well as the regular international exposure enjoyed by national teams.

The debate therefore extends beyond scheduling, with football authorities required to consider the interests of players, clubs, national associations, host countries and supporters.

CAF assembly expected to discuss proposal

The future of AFCON is expected to feature prominently at the CAF General Assembly in Nigeria on 21 November.

Motsepe is reportedly expected to put the proposal to a vote, potentially allowing member associations to determine whether the competition should move to a four-year cycle or retain its existing schedule.

The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the organisation of international football in Africa, particularly for countries that rely on regular major tournaments to support football development and attract investment.

The discussion also comes amid wider concerns about opportunities for locally based players and coaches following debate over the future of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition designed for footballers playing in their domestic leagues.

Maintaining regular opportunities for home-based talent to gain international experience remains an important consideration in discussions about the structure of African football competitions.

What happens next?

CAF’s request gives its member associations an opportunity to express their positions before a decision is made on the tournament’s future.

The immediate question is whether the governing body will retain the traditional two-year format or proceed with plans to stage AFCON every four years.

Although early indications point towards support for maintaining the current schedule among many associations, the final outcome of the consultation remains unclear.

The responses due by Wednesday could provide an important indication of the direction African football authorities want to take as CAF weighs the tournament’s traditions, commercial value and role in developing the game across the continent.