Egyptian football icon Mohamed Aboutrika has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its decision to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a two-year cycle to a four-year format.
Reacting to the announcement, Aboutrika argued that the move reflects African football placing European interests above its own, questioning whether CAF fully appreciates the value, identity and status of its flagship tournament.
“The African Football Federation in the service of European football. And this is what happens when you don’t realise your true value and status. The loser of the thing does not give,” Aboutrika said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Saturday that AFCON will officially move to a four-year cycle from 2028, ending the biennial format that has been in place since 1968, aside from the one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
Under the current plan, the existing structure will remain in effect through the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted in East Africa, before the new schedule takes over. CAF has also unveiled plans to launch an African Nations League, expected to begin in 2029 and be staged annually.
The decision has sparked widespread debate across the continent, with opinion sharply divided. While some believe the change will improve planning, quality and player welfare, critics argue it risks further aligning African football with the demands of European clubs, which have long complained about AFCON’s place in the global football calendar.
