Why has Caf abandoned plans to hold Afcon every four years?

Caf has reversed its plan to move the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to a four-year cycle from 2028, deciding to retain its traditional biennial schedule. The change matters because Afcon is a major source of income for African football and its timing affects both national teams and clubs releasing players.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe said the U-turn was in the interests of African football, after the governing body consulted its 54 member associations and its executive committee voted to restore the existing format. The four-year plan was announced in 2025 alongside a proposed annual Africa Nations League, partly to synchronise the international calendar and diversify Caf’s revenue. Afcon 2025 was forecast to generate $114m in profit, compared with $75m for the previous tournament; critics also questioned why the original decision was made without a general assembly debate.