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Rabat—CAF president Patrice Motsepe has announced big changes for African football in today’s press conference in Rabat, with a new structure that will affect the continent’s top competitions for years to come.
Starting after the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON will move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule. The goal was to align with the global football calendar and avoid conflicts with European club seasons. “We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” said Motsepe. He added, “I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronized and harmonized.”
The changes come alongside the introduction of an annual African Nations League from 2029, which will involve all 54 CAF member nations. Teams will compete in regional groups in September and October, with the best teams advancing to a final phase in November. Motsepe described it as a way to show the best African talent every year: “Every year in Africa, the best African players who play in Europe will be with us on the continent… We are going to have a world‑class competition every year.”
CAF has also increased the AFCON winners’ prize money from $7 million to $10 million. The 2025 tournament, taking place in Morocco tomorrow and over Christmas and New Year’s, will be the first under these new scheduling conditions.
The 2027 edition will be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and the 2028 tournament is still to be assigned.
Read also: AFCON 2025: Jean-Jacques Ndala to Officiate Morocco–Comoros Opener
