The future of AFCON: Abidjan meeting set to decide fate of 2 year tournament cycle

The Confederation of African Football CAF is considering reversing its controversial decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, placing president Patrice Motsepe under renewed scrutiny just months after announcing the reform.

The potential U-turn emerged during a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde on 9 October where Motsepe confirmed that discussions were underway about restoring the tournament's traditional two year cycle.

The development comes less than ten months after CAF announced a major restructuring of African international football raising fresh questions about the future of the continent's flagship competition.

According to a report published by The Guardian on Tuesday, 13 October, a return to the biennial format could be confirmed at CAF's executive committee meeting in Abidjan next month.

However, no final decision has been officially announced.

Read Also: The stolen crown? CAS prepares final verdict on Morocco and Senegal's bitter AFCON dispute

Motsepe confirms CAF is reviewing AFCON's four year format

Speaking at the conference in Cape Verde, Motsepe acknowledged that CAF was reassessing its decision following criticism of the proposed changes.

"We have discussed things over the last few days and are looking at everything including having the AFCON come back every two years" Motsepe said, according to Reuters.

In December 2025, CAF announced that the Africa Cup of Nations would move to a four year cycle following the 2028 edition.

Under the original proposal, the tournament would take place in 2027 and 2028 before returning in 2032, with subsequent editions scheduled every four years.

The decision was part of a broader plan to reorganise the international football calendar and introduce an annual African Nations League.

Motsepe faces growing pressure over CAF leadership

The proposed change has also intensified scrutiny of Motsepe's leadership.

According to The Guardian's 13 October investigation, several African football officials have expressed concerns about the direction of CAF while some federation presidents were reportedly unaware that the tournament's frequency would be reconsidered.

The report also identified Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o among figures being discussed as potential successors to Motsepe, although no formal leadership challenge has been announced.

Motsepe has indicated that he does not intend to seek a third term when his current mandate expires in 2029.

The debate over AFCON's frequency follows another disputed reform proposal, with CAF's executive committee previously rejecting a proposed expansion of the tournament from 24 to 28 teams.

Why a return to the two year AFCON matters

The Africa Cup of Nations has generally been staged every two year since 1968, making its regular presence a defining feature of the African football calendar.

Moving to a four year cycle would reduce the frequency of opportunities for national teams to compete for the continental title.

It would also affect the planning of host nations, broadcasters, sponsors and member associations.

CAF had already begun preparing for the longer cycle including inviting bids to host the 2028, 2032 and 2036 tournaments in July.

Reversing course could therefore require adjustments to the organisation's long-term scheduling and commercial plans.

It would also raise questions about how the proposed African Nations League would operate alongside a biennial AFCON.

What happens next for AFCON 2027 and 2028?

The next Africa Cup of Nations remains scheduled for 19 June to 17 July 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda preparing to jointly host the tournament.

The proposed scheduling reversal does not, by itself, change those dates.

However, uncertainty surrounding the competition's longer term format comes as preparations for AFCON 2027 continue to face scrutiny.

Attention now turns to CAF's expected executive committee meeting in Abidjan in November.

A decision to restore the two-year cycle would mark a significant reversal of one of Motsepe's most ambitious reforms.

Until then, the four year plan remains subject to review, with African football awaiting confirmation of how its biggest national team competition will be organised beyond 2028.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations