The African Cup of Nations will take place every four years, instead of every “two years”, the Confederation of African Football announced this Saturday.
This surprising decision was taken during the entity’s executive committee in the Moroccan capital and announced to journalists by CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
The tournament, which generates around 80% of CAF’s revenue, has traditionally taken place every two years since its creation in 1957.
Sunday marks the start of the 35th edition, organized in Morocco, with the local team facing the Comoros.
Motsepe said the next Nations Cup finals, scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will take place, then another tournament will be held in 2028, but will then take place every four years.
Motsepe announced the annual launch of an African Nations League from 2029 to fill the void, like Europe which organizes its championship every four years.
“Historically, the Nations Cup was the main resource for us, but now we will receive financial resources every year,” he said. “This is an exciting new structure that will contribute to sustainable financial independence and ensure better synchronization with the FIFA calendar.”
About The Author
