The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could retain its traditional two-year cycle after all. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appears ready to abandon its proposed switch to a four-year format following widespread criticism across the continent. The plan had raised concerns about the visibility of national teams, the competition’s commercial appeal and the place of Africa’s biggest football tournament in the international calendar.
According to The Guardian, CAF could formally scrap the reform as early as Friday, during an executive committee meeting in Cape Verde. The proposed change had triggered strong opposition from observers who feared that a quadrennial AFCON would deprive supporters of a regular continental showcase and reduce opportunities for African football to generate revenue.
Motsepe confirms a possible change of direction
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has acknowledged that the governing body is reconsidering the tournament’s future. Speaking at the CAF assembly on Friday, he confirmed that officials were examining the possibility of restoring the biennial format. “We are looking at the possibility of returning to an AFCON every two years. The matter is currently being reviewed,” he said.
CAF faces growing pressure over its reform
Motsepe’s remarks signal a possible reversal of a proposal that CAF had presented as a major change to the international football calendar. The criticism surrounding the plan appears to have pushed the confederation to reconsider its position. However, CAF has yet to make a final decision, and the expected executive committee meeting could prove decisive for the future format of the AFCON.
