The executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at its meeting in Morocco on Saturday, December 20., decided to shift the flagship football competition of the continent from the traditional two-year hosting period to a four-year cycle.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the announcement at a press conference, signalling bold changes ahead that promise to reshape the future of African football.
During Saturday’s executive committee meeting, CAF President Patrice Motsepe set out a vision that marks a significant departure from long-standing tradition.
He explained that the Africa Cup of Nations, a competition that has historically taken place every two years since its establishment in 1957, will transition to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition.
This adjustment comes despite the tournament being the single largest source of CAF’s income, accounting for the vast majority of its revenue.
The change was announced against the backdrop of the 35th edition of the competition, which begins today, December 21, in Morocco, with the host nation opening against Comoros.
Motsepe clarified that the finals scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will proceed as planned, followed by another staging in 2028, before the new rhythm of every four years takes effect.
To ensure continuity and maintain competitive opportunities for national teams, Motsepe also revealed the creation of a new African Nations League, set to be contested annually from 2029.
This initiative mirrors the European model, where continental championships are staged every four years but supplemented by a Nations League to provide regular fixtures and financial stability.
“Historically, the Nations Cup was the prime resource for us, but now we will get financial resources every year,” he said.
“It is an exciting new structure which will contribute to sustainable financial independence and ensure more synchronisation with the FIFA calendar.”
In addition to the sweeping adjustments to the Africa Cup of Nations calendar and the unveiling of a new Nations League, CAF used the occasion to underscore a series of significant financial developments that reflect its broader vision for the future of the game on the continent.
It confirmed that the prize money attached to the Africa Cup of Nations now stands at an impressive $10 million for the eventual champions.
This increase is not only symbolic of CAF’s determination to elevate the prestige of its flagship competition but also a tangible demonstration of its commitment to rewarding excellence at a level befitting the stature of the tournament, which has long been regarded as the pinnacle of African football.
The announcement did not stop there. CAF further revealed that both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup, the two premier club competitions under its umbrella, will see their prize structures revised upward in the coming seasons.
Read also:
- WAFU B: Nigeria crumbles Cote D’Ivoire, qualifies for U20 AFCON
- AFCON 2023: Nigeria drawn in Group A
- ‘His Call Crashed us Out of AFCON’, Nigerians Blame Buhari for Eagle Loss
These adjustments are intended to strengthen the financial incentives for clubs across Africa, ensuring that participation at the highest levels of continental football brings not only recognition and competitive glory but also meaningful economic benefit.
By enhancing the rewards on offer, CAF aims to encourage greater investment in infrastructure, player development, and long-term sustainability, while also reinforcing the message that African football is entering a new era of growth and ambition.
While the sweeping announcements from CAF have generated considerable anticipation and debate, the immediate focus for millions of football supporters across the continent remains firmly on the spectacle about to unfold.
AFCON 2025 kicks off on Sunday, December 21, ushering in its latest chapter with hosts Morocco stepping proudly into the spotlight.
