African Football Overhaul: Afcon Shifts to Four-Year Cycle, New League Launched

Afcon Adopts Quadrennial Format Starting 2028

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major restructuring of its flagship tournament, with the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) transitioning from a biennial to a quadrennial event beginning in 2028. CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the decision following an executive committee meeting in Morocco ahead of the 2025 finals in Rabat.

End of an Era for Biennial Tournament

Since 1968, Afcon has been held every two years, except for a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions. The 2027 tournament in East Africa (hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) and a 2028 edition will mark the final biennial events before the shift to a four-year cycle. This change aligns Afcon with the European Championship schedule, aiming to harmonize the global football calendar.

New African Nations League to Fill Annual Void

To maintain annual high-profile competitions, CAF unveiled plans for an African Nations League, launching in 2029. The league will feature all 54 CAF members divided into four regional zones, with matches played September-November each year. Regional champions will compete for an overall title in November.

"This creates an Afcon-equivalent event annually," Motsepe stated, emphasizing the league's potential to attract top sponsors and ensure participation from Africa's elite European-based players.

Financial Incentives and Scheduling Challenges

Alongside structural changes, CAF increased Afcon winner prize money from $7 million to $10 million. The federation acknowledged longstanding scheduling conflicts, as most recent tournaments occurred mid-season in Europe due to weather constraints and FIFA's expanded Club World Cup.

The 2025 Morocco edition will break new ground as the first Afcon held over Christmas and New Year, concluding on January 18. Motsepe described the reforms as necessary compromises made in consultation with FIFA leadership, stating: "We must synchronize with the global calendar while serving Africa's interests."

These sweeping changes aim to elevate African football's prestige while addressing logistical and financial challenges that have long surrounded the continent's premier competition.