The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the end of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming that the tournament will move to a four-year cycle starting after the 2028 edition.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, made the announcement on Saturday in Morocco while briefing journalists after an executive committee meeting held ahead of AFCON 2025.
Under the new arrangement, the current two-year format will conclude with the 2027 and 2028 tournaments. The 2032 AFCON will be the first edition played after a four-year interval and will be staged in the same year as the UEFA European Championship.
AFCON has been organised every two years since 1968, a schedule that has often caused clashes with European club competitions and disputes over the release of African players.
Although FIFA had previously suggested a four-year cycle to ease pressure on clubs and players, CAF had resisted the proposal until now.
Explaining the shift, Motsepe said the new structure would better position African football within the global calendar.
He said: “We have an exciting new structure for African football. What matters is what is best for Africa. The global football calendar must be better aligned and harmonised.”
Motsepe also revealed plans to introduce an African Nations League, which is expected to commence in 2029.
According to him, while AFCON remains CAF’s major source of income, the new competition will provide a more regular and sustainable revenue stream.
“Historically, the Nations Cup has been our main financial pillar, but now we will generate income every year.
“This new structure will help us achieve financial independence and ensure better alignment with the FIFA calendar. Every year, the best African players based in Europe will be available to compete on the continent.
“We are creating a world-class competition that will involve all 54 African nations every year,”he added.
In another major decision, CAF approved an increase in prize money for AFCON winners, raising the champions’ reward from $7 million to $10 million.