CAF Reopens Biennial AFCON Debate, Denies External Pressure

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its recent switch to a quadrennial schedule for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirming Friday that a return to a biennial format remains an option. Motsepe also firmly rejected allegations that the governing body is taking instructions from FIFA or UEFA regarding the tournament’s calendar.

Last December, Motsepe announced that starting in 2028, AFCON would align with FIFA’s four-year international cycle. The move drew sharp criticism at the 2025 edition in Morocco, where many felt the decision prioritized European preferences over African interests. Motsepe, a South African billionaire and FIFA vice-president, dismissed the notion of outside control as “absolute rubbish.”

“My No. 1 job, my No. 1 duty is to protect, promote, and advance the interests of Africa,” Motsepe stated. He emphasized that while he sometimes must refuse external demands, the organization is currently reviewing all scheduling options. “We have discussed it over the last few days to say we are looking at everything, including having the AFCON coming back every two years,” he said during CAF’s strategy conference in Cape Verde.

Despite the scheduling uncertainty, Motsepe reaffirmed that the 2027 AFCON will proceed as planned across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda next year. This statement countered recent reports from France suggesting construction delays and internal pressure from some CAF members to relocate the event. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he urged faith in the continent’s ability to overcome obstacles, concluding, “There will be problems, there will be failures, fine, but we will be there.”