Reactions to the Confederation of African Football's decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations to every four years after 2028 have been mixed, with coaches decrying loss of autonomy amid pressure from European clubs and FIFA, while some see upsides. An annual African Nations League will launch in 2029 to fill the biennial gap.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the change on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following a meeting with FIFA executives in Rabat. The biennial AFCON, running since 1957, will shift to quadrennial after a transitional 2028 edition, with the next in 2027 hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The move has sparked continent-wide controversy, seen by critics as yielding to European clubs' demands to avoid mid-season player releases. Former CAF presidents Issa Hayatou and Ahmad Ahmad had resisted similar pressures. A CAF competitions department source highlighted logistical hurdles: "Organizing two editions in consecutive years is extremely difficult, especially with 2027 in northern hemisphere summer." Qualifiers for 2028 risk clashing with Euro 2028 and Los Angeles Olympics.
Coaches led the backlash. Mali's Tom Saintfiet deemed it "abnormal" and disrespectful to Africa's 68-year history, prioritizing European finances: "Africa must be respected." Uganda's Paul Put shared frustration: "I honestly don’t understand CAF’s decision, and we are unfortunately not happy."
Some positives emerged. Morocco coach Walid Regragui noted reduced chances for smaller teams but stressed adaptation: "Football is changing... AFCON could become a must-watch every four years." Algeria's Riyad Mahrez added: "It will make the competition more attractive. There won’t be so many players who have played in as many tournaments."
The Nations League, akin to UEFA's, aims to offset revenue losses and sync with global calendars, balancing African and European interests.