Motsepe faces internal doubts over Afcon cycle reversal and Caf leadership
Patrice Motsepe’s leadership of African football’s governing body, Caf, is under pressure after he announced a proposed return to a two-year Africa Cup of Nations cycle. The change has broad support, but some officials say they were not consulted and have lost trust in his management, while potential successors are positioning themselves.
Caf is expected to confirm the change at an executive committee meeting in Abidjan next month, reversing a decision made ten months ago to stage Afcon every four years. Motsepe says he will not seek a third term when his presidency ends in 2029; possible challengers include Samuel Eto’o and officials from Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and Djibouti. Caf’s finances and uncertainty over the 2027 tournament, planned for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, add to the concerns.
- Motsepe faces growing criticism after reversing Afcon’s planned four-year cycle.
- Caf is expected to confirm a return to biennial tournaments next month.
- Samuel Eto’o is among those positioning as a possible successor.
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The Africa Cup of Nations, usually called Afcon, is the main international football tournament for African national teams. It is run by the Confederation of African Football, or Caf, which also oversees football competitions and national associations across the continent.
Patrice Motsepe, a South African businessman, became Caf president in 2021. The tournament’s schedule has shifted between two-year and four-year cycles; changes affect when teams compete and how Caf organises its calendar and finances. Caf’s leadership is elected, and Motsepe has said he will not seek another term after his current one ends in 2029.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are due to host the 2027 Afcon. Questions about the tournament’s preparations and Caf’s finances form part of the wider context for debate over how the organisation is run and who may lead it in future.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Motsepe can argue that returning Afcon to a two-year cycle reflects broad backing and could give national teams and supporters more regular access to the continent’s leading tournament. A governing body also needs room to revise decisions when circumstances change, and Motsepe’s stated intention not to seek a third term may allow an orderly succession.
The case against
Critics can argue that reversing a major scheduling decision only ten months later, amid reports that officials were not consulted, points to weak process and damages trust in Caf leadership. With the 2027 tournament’s readiness and the organisation’s finances also in question, they may see the episode as evidence that Caf needs greater transparency, consultation and accountability before making another consequential change.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Patrice Motsepe’s Caf presidency under pressure after Afcon U-turn as Eto’o waits in wings”.