BREAKING: CAF CONSIDERS RETURN TO BIENNIAL AFCON FORMAT AS MOTSEPE REVIEWS FOUR-YEAR PLAN

By NaijaParrot October 10, 2026 

 CAPE VERDE —

 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirming that the organisation is reviewing a possible return to the tournament’s traditional two-year cycle. Motsepe made the disclosure on Friday, October 9, during CAF’s strategy conference in Cape Verde, where football administrators discussed the future direction of African football.

MOTSEPE CONFIRMS REVIEW OF AFCON FORMAT  

Speaking at the conference, Motsepe said CAF was examining different options, including restoring AFCON to a biennial schedule. The CAF president explained that the matter had been discussed in recent days and remained under review. However, he did not announce a final decision to reverse the earlier policy. The proposal is still being considered and is expected to go before CAF’s Executive Committee.

 WHY CAF PLANNED A FOUR-YEAR CYCLE 

 In December 2025, CAF announced that AFCON would move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule after the 2028 edition. The change was presented as part of efforts to better coordinate African international football with the wider international calendar. CAF also planned to introduce an African Nations League from 2029, creating another major competition for national teams. The proposed changes attracted criticism from supporters and stakeholders who argued that holding AFCON less frequently could reduce opportunities for African teams and diminish the tournament’s commercial value.  

FINANCIAL AND FOOTBALLING IMPLICATIONS 

 The frequency of AFCON has implications for broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales and revenue available to national football associations. A return to a two-year cycle could provide more frequent opportunities for these commercial activities, although the final financial impact would depend on CAF’s eventual competition and commercial arrangements. CAF would also need to consider how any change would affect its wider international match calendar and plans for the African Nations League. No revised schedule or implementation date has been announced. 

 2027 AFCON TO PROCEED AS PLANNED 

 Despite the review, Motsepe reaffirmed that the next AFCON would take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027. The tournament is expected to be the first edition jointly hosted by the three East African countries. The current review concerns the longer-term frequency of AFCON and does not amount to an announcement that the 2027 tournament has been postponed or cancelled. 

 NO FINAL DECISION YET 

 CAF’s latest position signals a possible rethink of a major change announced less than a year ago. Nevertheless, the biennial format has not officially been restored. Football fans, national associations and commercial partners will be watching for further announcements as CAF considers the competition’s future. 

 NaijaParrot will continue to monitor developments and report any official decision on the AFCON format.

 Hear It First! Hear It True!