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CAF President Motsepe Signals AFCON May Return to Biennial Schedule
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said on Friday that the organization had not taken orders from FIFA or UEFA and that the move to a quadrennial cycle was “nonsense, absolute rubbish.” Motsepe, who announced in December that the biennial AFCON would switch to a four‑year cycle from 2028, added that CAF had been discussing the possibility of returning to a two‑year schedule.
He made the remarks during CAF’s three‑day strategy conference in Cape Verde, where he also reiterated the 54‑member body’s unanimous support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup, scheduled to be played in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will proceed as planned despite reports that construction projects in France were not on schedule and some CAF members were urging a change.
Motsepe, a South African billionaire and FIFA vice‑president, said his primary duty is to protect, promote and advance African interests. He emphasized that CAF has been reviewing all options, including a biennial format, and that the organization remains committed to moving forward with the 2027 tournament.
"You have to believe in Africa. There will be problems, there will be failures, fine, but we will be there. That’s what Mandela taught us," he said.
Frequently asked questions
What did CAF president Patrice Motsepe say about the AFCON schedule?
He said CAF had not taken orders from FIFA or UEFA and that the move to a quadrennial cycle was nonsense, and that CAF was discussing returning to a biennial schedule.
Will the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations take place as planned?
Yes, Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 tournament scheduled to be played in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will proceed as planned.