Since its launch in 1975 in the version hosted by Sudan and won by Egypt, the African Cup of Nations, one of the oldest football tournaments for national teams, has been held once every two years, before CAF decided to make a radical and sudden change in its organizing date.

Today, Saturday, CAF officially decided to adopt the organization of the African Cup of Nations once every 4 years, starting in the 2028 edition, justifying its decision to ensure a higher quality of the tournament and the sustainability of football development on the continent, according to what its president Patrice Motsepe confirmed.

“Alcan” will become a football event every 4 years, meaning that the tournament that will be held after 2028 will be in 2032, as it will take place in the same year as the Summer Olympic Games.

Aboutrika said in a post on his account on social media platforms: “This happens when you do not realize your value and your true status… He who lacks something does not give it.”

The former Egyptian player considered that CAF yielded to the requests of European clubs and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), and looked for the interests of Europe before Africa, as it seems clear that he responded to the demands of European clubs.

The Confederation of African Football decided to cancel the African Cup of Nations for local teams and adopt a new tournament for national teams every two years called the “African Nations League,” similar to the European competitions: the European Nations League.

Patrice Motsepe announced that CAF decided to raise financial support by one million dollars for each African country, in addition to creating the African League within the framework of a strategic partnership with FIFA, in a way that enhances professionalism and continental investment.

The legend of the Egyptian national team and Al-Ahly club, Mohamed Aboutrika, directed harsh criticism towards the Confederation of African Football, saying that the continental football structure has clearly become in the service of European football.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals will start in Morocco during the period from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, with the participation of 24 teams, including 7 Arab teams, for the first time in the history of the tournament.

Source: media