A reversal is taking shape at CAF over moving the AFCON to a four-year cycle. According to KickOff, CAF president Patrice Motsepe could back down in the face of a revolt from the federations, with a decisive vote on 21 November 2026 in Nigeria.
The plan to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a two-year to a four-year cycle appears to be losing momentum. According to KickOff, a major U-turn is taking shape within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the reform announced last December by its president, Patrice Motsepe. The continental body has not officially abandoned it, however: the matter will be decided by the 54 member associations.
Several influential leaders and coaches on the continent have expressed their categorical refusal to give up the two-year rhythm, KickOff reports. The issue was hotly debated at CAF’s recent strategic conference in Praia, Cape Verde. The final proposal will be officially put to a vote of the federations at the Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled for 21 November 2026 in Nigeria.
Motsepe faces the anger of the federations
Last December, Patrice Motsepe announced the move to a four-year cycle from 2028. Several federations condemned a lack of prior consultation when the announcement was first made, according to KickOff. The CAF president now faces opposition from influential leaders and coaches.
The president of the Comoros Football Federation, Saïd Ali Athouman, recalled Africa’s strong historical attachment to the two-year format. “We were surprised to learn about this reform that would change the final tournament to every four years. You know that in Africa, there is a strong attachment to AFCON and to the fact that it is held every two years.”, he said, quoted by KickOff.
FIFA and UEFA calendars in question
At the heart of African observers’ criticism is the alignment with the European FIFA and UEFA calendars. According to KickOff, keeping the two-year rhythm helps preserve the economy and visibility of African national teams.
Towards a decisive vote in Nigeria
CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly, set for 21 November 2026 in Nigeria, must decide. The member federations will have to rule on the AFCON format, and therefore on the possible abandonment of the four-year cycle. If the reversal is confirmed, Patrice Motsepe will have to accept a climbdown on one of his reforms.
This formal vote by the 54 member associations will be the moment when CAF must officialise or abandon its four-year cycle plan.