Stephen Musungu
Rabat — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major restructuring of its international competitions, including a shift of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle and the launch of a new African Nations League. CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the changes at a press conference on the eve of the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, saying the decision follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and reflects a long-term vision for African football.
Under the new format, AFCON will transition from its traditional biennial schedule to a quadrennial cycle starting after the 2028 edition. The 2027 tournament — co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — will take place under the current cycle before AFCON becomes a once-every-four-years event. The next editions are now set for 2028, 2032 and beyond, aligning the continental showpiece more closely with other major international competitions.
Motsepe explained that the shift aims to address long-standing scheduling conflicts that have often forced African players to miss club matches in Europe due to the tournament’s previous mid-season timing. By adopting a four-year schedule, CAF hopes to improve preparation, reduce fixture congestion and enhance the prestige of the competition.
To ensure continuous competitive football for national teams and maintain commercial momentum, CAF is introducing the African Nations League, an annual competition that will involve all of the continent’s 54 football associations. Scheduled to begin in 2029, the new league will feature regional group stages played during FIFA windows, with finals expected toward the end of each year.The African Nations League is designed to provide regular high-level competition for national teams, increase revenue opportunities and raise the profile of African football throughout the year. It will also offer more consistent opportunities for top players — including those based in European leagues — to represent their countries outside of AFCON cycles.
CAF officials have emphasised that the new structure will help bridge the financial gap created by reducing the frequency of AFCON. The biennial tournament has traditionally been one of CAF’s primary revenue sources, and the annual league is expected to attract sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners alike.In addition to the calendar overhaul, the governing body has also announced increases in prize money for AFCON winners, with incentives rising to a new level intended to reflect the tournament’s elevated status under the new cycle.
Supporters of the plan say the changes could boost African football’s competitiveness on the global stage, giving teams more opportunities to develop cohesion and participate in meaningful matches year after year. Critics, however, note concerns about fixture congestion for national associations and the logistical challenges of maintaining annual competition.CAF’s decision marks one of the most significant shifts in African international football in decades, reshaping how the continent’s premier competitions are staged and potentially setting a new standard for national team football in Africa.
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