By Micah Jonah
January 18, 2026
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe has defended the Organization’s decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years instead of every two, rejecting claims of undue influence from FIFA.
Motsepe said the move, which will take effect after 2028, was made in Africa’s interest and that CAF also plans to launch an African Nations League in 2029. Speaking on Saturday ahead of the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, he acknowledged that CAF could have better explained the change to the public.
“This is the right decision. We will indeed have a new competition, and it will be enormously successful. African football will be better,” Motsepe said, adding that the Organization must educate stakeholders across the continent to ensure understanding, support for its decisions.
The President noted that AFCON’s previous two-year cycle generated significant revenue for CAF, however, the new African Nations League will offer even greater financial benefits, ensuring sustainability for African football.
