AFCON announcement made that could affect Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham

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Africa Cup of Nations is set to get under way this week, but a big announcement over the future of the competition has been made

The official AFCON ball ahead of the 2025 tournament kicking off(Image: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP via Getty Images)

The Africa Cup of Nations is set to be held every four years from 2028 instead of every two years. Here's everything you need to know...

Change in Frequency: The Africa Cup of Nations will transition from being held every two years to every four years. This move aims to align the continental tournament with the cycles of other major international competitions like the Euros and the World Cup.
Effective Date: The new four-year schedule is set to begin officially after the 2027 edition of the tournament. The 2025 and 2027 tournaments will proceed as planned to maintain the current commitments to hosts and sponsors.
Reasoning for the Shift: CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained that the change is necessary to reduce the physical burden on elite African players. By spacing out the tournaments, the organisation hopes to prevent player burnout and minimise conflicts with European club schedules.
Impact on Club Relations: The biennial format has historically caused friction between CAF and European clubs, who often lose key players mid-season. This adjustment is expected to improve relations with global leagues and ensure better availability of top stars.
Commercial Strategy: Motsepe noted that a four-year cycle would likely increase the prestige and commercial value of each individual tournament. Making the event more exclusive could attract higher-tier sponsorships and more lucrative broadcasting deals.
Consistency in Scheduling: The decision follows years of scheduling instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and weather concerns in host nations. A longer preparation window is intended to provide more stability and better infrastructure readiness for host countries.
Focus on Development: Moving to a quadrennial format allows CAF to focus more resources on youth development and women's football in the intervening years. This broader strategic vision aims to improve the overall quality of football across the continent.
Global Alignment: The change aligns African football with the FIFA International Match Calendar more effectively than the previous system. This synchronisation is said to be crucial for the long-term integration of African football into the global sports market.
Internal Debate: While the decision was reached after extensive consultation, it has sparked debate among fans who enjoy the frequency of the biennial tournament. However, CAF leadership maintains that the benefits of player welfare and financial growth outweigh the tradition.
Future Hosting: Morocco is set to host the next edition in 2025, followed by a joint bid from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in 2027. These tournaments will serve as the final chapters of the biennial era before the new era begins in 2028.