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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering restoring the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to its traditional two-year cycle following growing debate over the future format of the continent’s flagship national-team competition, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed earlier this month that the governing body was reviewing its previous decision to move the tournament to a four-year schedule after the 2028 edition.
The proposed change would reverse a major restructuring announced in December 2025, when CAF planned to stage AFCON every four years and introduce an African Nations League from 2029 to provide more regular competition for national teams.
The decision to change the tournament’s frequency generated debate among football stakeholders, with concerns raised about its potential impact on national teams, commercial opportunities and the visibility of African football.
Motsepe subsequently indicated that CAF was reconsidering its position, saying discussions had taken place on the possibility of returning to the biennial format.
CAF has since consulted its 54 member associations on the competition’s future, with responses expected to help guide the governing body’s decision.
The 2027 AFCON, scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, remains on the calendar. The future arrangement for subsequent editions, however, will depend on CAF’s final decision.
A return to the two-year cycle would also require the governing body to reconsider aspects of its competition calendar, including the relationship between AFCON and the proposed African Nations League.
CAF is expected to provide further clarity after completing its consultations and deliberations on the tournament’s long-term structure.