AFCON move to every four years under review by CAF
CAF has confirmed it is studying a proposal to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of every two. The biennial format has long been a source of friction with European clubs, who frequently lose African players during AFCON windows. A switch to a four-year cycle would align AFCON with the European Championship, Copa America, and the Asian Cup, potentially reducing fixture congestion for players and clubs. The review comes amid ongoing debate about the international football calendar and player workload, and any change would have major implications for African national federations, clubs that employ African players, and the tournament's commercial value.
Read the full story at bbc.co.ukA shift to a quadrennial AFCON would represent the most significant structural change to African football's flagship competition in decades. Biennial tournaments have given African football a unique rhythm and a consistent platform for emerging nations, but the disruption to European club seasons has been a persistent flashpoint. Aligning AFCON with the four-year cycle used by every other major continental championship would ease pressure on clubs and players, though it would also mean fewer tournament appearances for some smaller nations and a longer wait between editions that fans currently enjoy every two years. The decision will hinge on balancing commercial interests, player welfare, and the cultural significance the biennial tournament holds across the continent.
Context added by Socc360, not by bbc.co.uk.
Data source: bbc.co.uk (via Socc360). Last updated .
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