The Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) has confirmed sweeping adjustments to its continental competitions, with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to maneuver to a four-year cycle and a brand new Africa Nations League launching in 2028.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe introduced the choice on Saturday, saying AFCON will now not be held each two years after the 2027 match.
The transfer ends a decades-long custom and brings Africa’s flagship soccer occasion nearer in step with different main worldwide tournaments.
CAF explains why AFCON will now not be held each two years
Motsepe mentioned CAF reached the choice after consulting stakeholders and assessing the rising strain on gamers brought on by congested international soccer calendars.
“I’ve had gamers saying I need to come to the nationwide group however my membership wants me as a result of they need to win the league,” Motsepe mentioned. “We’ve needed to make sacrifices to minimize the burden on the gamers.”
Africa Nations League to launch in 2028
Whereas AFCON shifts to a four-year cycle, CAF plans to maintain African soccer energetic by introducing the Africa Nations League, which will likely be performed yearly from 2028.
The brand new competitors will happen throughout FIFA worldwide home windows and will likely be divided into Northern, Japanese, Western, Central and Southern African areas.
“The African Nations League will end in Africa having a contest yearly the place one of the best gamers who play in Europe will likely be right here,” Motsepe mentioned.
“It’ll considerably enhance the standard of our competitions.
“What is critical is that on this competitors that’s going to happen throughout the Fifa window yearly, high gamers will likely be obtainable and extra money will likely be obtainable from companions.”
