Is CAF undermining AFCON’s identity with four-year plan?

GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

The decision of the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Executive Committee to change the AFCON cycle from two to four years attracted a backlash from the media and the football community.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe made this announcement on Saturday, December 20, 2025, prior to the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

"We have the most exciting new structure for African football. I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised."

The AFCON has traditionally taken place every two years since the 1968 edition in Ethiopia, with a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions in Gabon & Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, respectively.

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The move has attracted significant backlash and opposition from legendary footballers and coaches who believe it will undermine the progress of football on the continent.

Reactions from African Players and Coaches

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan: “Organising the AFCON every four years does nothing for African football it’s a decision made to suit Europe. I am Egyptian and proud to be African. Africa deserves better.”

Former Black Stars coach Claude Le Roy: “AFCON every four years is a distressing mistake. Do you not want Africa to develop? Do you not want countries to build stadiums, training grounds and highways every two years? That’s exactly what all of sub-Saharan Africa needs. Having an Africa Cup every two years allowed a lot of work and development to be carried out. This decision is against Africa and for FIFA, which creates other completely meaningless competitions that further damage the players…”

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet: “I am very shocked, very disappointed. AFCON is the pride of African football. To take it from 2 to 4 years… it is all instructed by big people in UEFA, the big clubs from Europe’s top five leagues.”

Nigeria player Ademola Lookman: “The decision has been made, we can’t change it. It is a shame for African football, so it’s disappointing.”

Criticisms and Allegations

Amid the criticisms, some reports have emerged suggesting that President Motsepe has allowed himself to be influenced by Europeans to implement their agenda against African football.

As a close ally of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, some conspiracy theorists argue that he has been manipulated to please FIFA’s leadership.

Talent Identification

The change in duration is problematic as it will hinder the development of African talents who showcase their potential to the world during the tournament.

During AFCON, scouts from various clubs across the globe attend to monitor players and sign those who impress and meet their criteria. Hence local players will be deprived of the opportunity to get the international exposure.

Infrastructure Development

Hosting rights for AFCON afford countries the opportunity to improve their infrastructure by receiving funds from CAF and FIFA to invest in stadiums, road networks, and other facilities.

This has helped some underdeveloped countries improve their sporting facilities to host games. However, the change in timing could impede such progress.

Following the European Model

There have long been complaints from coaches and club owners about releasing players for AFCON, with many calling for the tournament to be held every four years.

The official adoption of the four-year format seems to align with critics’ concerns, undermining the integrity of the traditional timelines of the competition and leaving journalists, footballers, fans and coaches fuming.

Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal's AFCON triumph