The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly asked its 54 member associations to give their views on whether the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should return to a two-year schedule, reopening debate over the future format of the continent’s biggest football tournament.
The consultation comes amid reports that CAF’s Executive Committee is considering reversing plans to stage the competition every four years. Member federations have until Wednesday, 28 October, to communicate their positions on the proposed options.
According to the African Football Journalist, a letter sent by CAF outlines concerns about the financial implications of moving AFCON to a four-year cycle and the potential need for an alternative competition to generate revenue.
The letter reportedly states:
“If AFCON moves from every two years to every four years, CAF would need another competition to help generate revenue.
“CAF had proposed the Africa Nations League Pan African, a competition that would be similar to the current AFCON and played every two years.
“However, CAF says this new competition could take several years before it starts generating significant money for CAF and its 54 Member Associations.”
The responses from the national federations could help shape the governing body’s next steps as it considers the competition’s frequency. CAF has not announced a final decision on the matter.
Why is AFCON’s schedule being reconsidered?
The latest consultation follows months of discussion about the tournament’s future, particularly after CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced plans to change its frequency.
In December 2025, shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations began in Morocco, Motsepe said the competition would move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule.
Under that proposal, the revised format would begin in 2028, with subsequent tournaments planned for 2032 and 2036.
However, the CAF president later reconsidered the decision, leaving the long-term arrangement unresolved.
The reported consultation with member associations suggests CAF is now seeking their input before settling on a schedule for future editions.
The debate centres not only on how often the tournament should take place, but also on the financial consequences of changing a competition that has traditionally provided regular revenue opportunities for the continental governing body and its members.
According to the reported letter, the proposed Africa Nations League Pan African could help fill the financial gap created by holding AFCON every four years. However, CAF is said to have acknowledged that the alternative competition might take several years to generate substantial income.
The case for a two-year or four-year cycle
AFCON has traditionally been held every two years, giving African national teams regular opportunities to compete for the continental title.
The established schedule also allows players to represent their countries in a major international tournament more frequently, maintaining a regular platform for national-team football across Africa.
However, the frequency of the competition has prompted questions about its position in the wider international football calendar, particularly when its timing overlaps with domestic club competitions.
Moving AFCON to a four-year cycle would bring its schedule closer to that of major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
Supporters of retaining the two-year format, however, would preserve the tournament’s established rhythm and ensure African nations continue to have more frequent opportunities to compete for continental honours.
The financial considerations outlined in CAF’s reported letter add another dimension to the debate, as any change could affect how the organisation and its member associations generate income from competitions.
What happens next?
CAF’s 54 member associations have until Wednesday, 28 October, to submit their views on whether AFCON should retain the proposed four-year cycle or return to its traditional two-year format.
Their responses could influence discussions within the Executive Committee as the governing body weighs the competing considerations surrounding the tournament’s future.
For now, no final decision has been announced.
The consultation marks an important stage in the ongoing debate over AFCON’s calendar, with the outcome potentially determining how frequently African national teams compete for the continent’s most prestigious international football title in the years ahead.
