The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering reversing its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, less than 10 months after announcing the reform.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Friday in Cape Verde that restoring a two-year cycle was among the options being examined. The potential change has raised questions about why the governing body is reconsidering a policy it had previously presented as a significant step forward.
Journalist Romain Molina says the original decision, announced in December 2025, was driven largely by international political considerations rather than the interests of African football.
In a video published on his YouTube page, Molina claimed FIFA had been seeking to accommodate UEFA and leading European clubs. Those clubs have frequently objected to releasing African internationals every two years for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Moving the tournament to a four-year schedule would therefore have been a concession to European football, reducing the frequency with which clubs would lose players to international duty.
The interpretation reflects criticism made when the reform was first announced. Several figures in African football argued that the decision had been taken without sufficient consultation with national federations. Others warned that reducing the number of tournaments could cost the continent revenue and valuable opportunities for development.
CAF had defended the change as a major advance. It was also linked to plans for an African Nations League, which was intended to compensate for the reduction in the frequency of the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Molina, however, the balance of power between FIFA and UEFA has changed sharply in recent months.
He argues that FIFA, which had previously prioritised keeping European governing bodies and clubs onside, may no longer see the same concessions as necessary. Against the backdrop of what he described as a “total war” with UEFA, FIFA is said to have indicated to CAF that returning to the traditional two-year schedule would no longer be a problem.
Molina believes that would allow FIFA to challenge the interests of European clubs as part of its wider dispute with UEFA. He said African football was once again at risk of being used in international alliances and rivalries, rather than having its own interests placed at the centre of decision-making.
He also pointed to financial considerations. In his view, most African football leaders support retaining a biennial Africa Cup of Nations because of the income generated by the competition.
Motsepe strongly rejected claims on Friday that CAF takes instructions from FIFA or UEFA, insisting that the organisation’s priority remains protecting the interests of African football.
No final decision has been announced. But the possibility of a reversal, less than a year after the four-year model was presented as necessary, is likely to renew concerns about CAF’s independence.
