African Cup of Nations reverts to biennial format

The African Cup of Nations will return to a biennial format, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Friday. The decision, made unanimously by the CAF Executive Committee, reverses a previous plan to hold the tournament every four years. The change comes after concerns over the financial viability and development of African football.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe had earlier this month indicated that the continental body would reconsider the decision to switch to a quadrennial format, made last year. The reversal is due to worries about the lengthy period required to launch a new proposed African competition, the African Nations League. This new league is designed to be similar to the current African Cup of Nations but will be held biennially.

Motsepe expressed concern that the new competition might not generate sufficient financial contributions and necessary revenues to develop African football. This development aims to make CAF's continental competitions more globally competitive and financially independent.

Under the new format, the next African Cup of Nations will take place in 2027 as scheduled, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent editions will be held in 2028, 2031, and 2033. The three-year gap between the 2028 and 2031 tournaments is to avoid a clash with the 2030 FIFA World Cup finals.