CAF officially decides to return to a biennial African Cup of Nations format

Algiers, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee unanimously decided to return to organizing the Africa Cup of Nations every two years, reversing its previous decision to hold the tournament every four years. CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained in media statements on Friday that the decision aims to protect the interests of African football and its 54 member associations, as well as to support the interests of African professional players in foreign clubs. He justified the revision of the prior decision by citing the difficulties associated with the proposed project to launch the Africa Nations League, which was intended to replace the Africa Cup of Nations and be held biennially. Motsepe noted that this new competition would require several additional years to secure sufficient financial resources to develop African football and make its competitions globally competitive and financially independent. Regarding the tournament schedule, he said the next edition will be held in 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, followed by the 2028 edition, with subsequent editions in 2031 and 2033. Motsepe explained that the absence of a 2030 edition is due to its overlap with the FIFA World Cup, in line with FIFA’s tradition of not holding continental championships during World Cup years. It is recalled that CAF President had announced during the CAF Strategy Conference held in Cape Verde from October 7 to 9 that the body would reassess its 2023 decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years. (End) M.R. / H.M.F.