AFCON’s Shift to a Four-Year Cycle Triggers Widespread Coaching Backlash Across African Football

The decision to restructure the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) into a four-year tournament cycle has ignited a wave of criticism from senior coaches across the continent, reopening long-standing debates about autonomy, respect, and Africa’s position within global football governance.

Announced on December 20, 2025, by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, the policy change will take effect from 2028, ending AFCON’s historic two‑year rhythm in favor of alignment with FIFA’s international calendar. The move, revealed alongside FIFA officials, immediately raised concerns that African football priorities were being subordinated to European and global commercial interests.

A Break With History

Since its inaugural tournament in 1957, AFCON has been staged every two years, forming the backbone of African international football identity. For many coaches, the shift represents more than a scheduling adjustment—it signals a dilution of Africa’s sporting sovereignty.

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet was among the most outspoken critics, framing the decision as externally driven rather than continentally owned.

“We must respect Africa,” Saintfiet said. “It cannot be Europe – the big clubs, FIFA, UEFA – deciding what we should do.”

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan echoed those sentiments, questioning CAF’s role in defending African interests.

“It seems designed for African players based in Europe whose clubs don’t want to release them,” Hassan said. “African competitions are being adapted to European conditions and in the service of European teams.”

Player Value, Power Dynamics, and Respect

At the center of the backlash is a broader concern over how African players are perceived within the global football economy. Coaches argue that the two‑year AFCON cycle reinforces Africa’s relevance and bargaining power, ensuring consistent visibility for players, federations, and fans.

Hassan stressed that respect—frequently invoked by FIFA—must be reciprocal.

“That respect must apply to everyone, to all national teams around the world. It is essential to respect African football, including the conditions of players, fans, and national teams.”

A Measured Perspective From the Hosts

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui offered a more nuanced assessment, acknowledging both potential risks and benefits. While recognising frustrations around external influence, he suggested the change could improve how African players are valued by European clubs.

“European clubs may trust African players more, knowing they will only leave for AFCON every four years,” Regragui said. “And perhaps they will pay them better, as they deserve.”

Regragui emphasized that the Africa Cup of Nations remains competitive with Europe’s top tournaments.

“AFCON is as strong as the Euros. A four‑year cycle could make it a major global event no one wants to miss.”

Doubts Over an African Nations League

CAF has proposed an African Nations League to compensate for fewer AFCON editions, positioning it as a continental equivalent to Europe’s annual international competitions. However, coaches expressed skepticism, particularly given that the Nations League would not be played during World Cup years.

CAF’s announcement came amid broader scheduling pressures, including FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup and repeated logistical challenges. Since 2013, every AFCON has been relocated due to host-country readiness issues—an instability critics say should be addressed before altering the tournament’s core structure.

Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, who led Cameroon to the AFCON title in 1988 and later coached Senegal, DR Congo, and Ghana, was blunt:

“This decision is not for Africa at all. It is for FIFA.”

A Defining Moment for African Football Governance

The backlash surrounding AFCON’s four‑year cycle underscores a pivotal question facing African football: who decides its future?

As CAF seeks global alignment and commercial stability, coaches and federations are demanding that Africa’s voice—not external convenience—remain central. The coming years will determine whether the reform strengthens African football’s global standing or deepens concerns over lost autonomy.

What is clear is that AFCON is more than a tournament. It is a symbol of continental pride, identity, and self‑determination—and any change to its structure carries consequences far beyond the calendar.

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