CAF Set for Major AFCON U-Turn as African Coaches Rally Against Four-Year Format

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) could be preparing for a significant change of direction regarding the future of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with growing opposition to plans to stage the continental showpiece every four years.

The proposal to move away from the tournament's traditional two-year cycle has attracted criticism from prominent coaches and football officials, who believe the longer waiting period could negatively affect the development of African football, national teams and host countries.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe recently confirmed that the organisation was reviewing its decision to introduce a four-year cycle. Speaking during a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde earlier this month, Motsepe revealed that returning to the biennial format was among the options being considered.

The announcement represents a potential reversal of the decision communicated in December 2025, when CAF outlined plans to stage AFCON every four years following the 2027 and 2028 editions. The proposed changes were intended to create room for a revised international football calendar, including plans for an African Nations League.

However, the decision quickly sparked debate across the continent, with concerns raised about the tournament's commercial value, national-team development and the opportunities available to African nations to compete at the highest level.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is among those who have welcomed the possibility of restoring the traditional schedule. The Super Eagles manager believes playing AFCON every two years gives national teams more opportunities to improve, develop their identity and compete in important international matches.

Chelle has also highlighted the economic benefits of hosting the competition, pointing to the opportunities it creates for tourism, businesses and host nations.

Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has similarly expressed his opposition to the four-year proposal, arguing that the interval between tournaments would be too long. Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has also backed maintaining the biennial format.

Former Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and DR Congo coach Claude Le Roy has made his position clear, stressing that AFCON's importance extends beyond football. He believes regular editions can support infrastructure development and generate wider benefits for communities across Africa.

Despite the growing support for a return to the previous arrangement, CAF has yet to announce a final decision. Any reversal would require the governing body to reconsider aspects of its competition calendar and broader tournament strategy.

For South African football supporters, the debate carries significant importance. Bafana Bafana and other African national teams rely on regular continental competition to test their progress, strengthen their squads and maintain momentum between major international tournaments.

The coming weeks could therefore prove crucial as CAF weighs the competing interests surrounding the future of AFCON. A return to the two-year cycle would preserve a long-standing tradition, but the final decision will depend on the governing body's assessment of footballing, commercial and organisational priorities.

For now, the prospect of a major AFCON U-turn has reignited hopes among supporters who believe Africa's biggest international football tournament should remain a regular fixture on the continent's sporting calendar.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113168532372324391