Rabat—Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s national team coach, has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for changing the AFCON to a four-year cycle.
The change, confirmed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, will start after the 2028 tournament, ending a tradition dating back to 1957.
Speaking after Egypt’s 0–0 draw with Angola in Group B of AFCON 2025, a result that secured top spot and progression to the round of 16, Hassan made his opposition clear. The three‑time AFCON champion as a player said the new schedule seemed designed to benefit European clubs rather than African football.
“I am not satisfied with the organisation of the AFCON every four years; African football must be respected.”
Hassan explained his concerns, making it clear that he’d support the change if it actually helped African football. Instead, he felt the move was more about giving in to outside pressure than respecting the continent’s traditions.
“If this decision had been taken in the interest of African football, I would have said that I agreed, but I do not feel that it serves the interests of African football.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is not happy with the decision to hold AFCON every 4 years. He says the decision is not made with African football’s wellbeing in mind. “As an Egyptian and an African, I see that these decisions are made with European clubs in mind.” pic.twitter.com/mPI8eVJxgp
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Hossam Hassan calls for respect for African national teams
Hassan pointed out the difference between African teams’ needs and the reality players face. Since the AFCON often clashes with European league schedules, especially around New Year’s, European clubs don’t have to pause their season for international matches. Yet, African teams are still expected to release players, disrupting their domestic and international commitments.
“There must be respect for everyone, for all national teams in the world. We are under FIFA, but it is up to CAF to defend this issue. It must work for conditions adapted to African national teams, players’ rights and coaching staff.”
The 62-year-old explained that his comments came from his perspective as both a coach and a former African player fighting for more respect for the continent’s football culture and everyone involved in the game
“I am not speaking as Hossam Hassan, coach of Egypt, but as an Egyptian African player. African football, as well as the conditions of supporters, players and national teams, must be respected.”
African football is split on the decision to hold the AFCON every four years. Some people—like Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi—support the idea because they think it will make the tournament more prestigious and line it up with others like the Euros.
But critics say the change reduces competition opportunities and looks like giving in to pressure from European leagues and FIFA
According to CAF, this change is about giving teams more time to get ready and fixing calendar overlaps. And to keep things competitive, they are introducing an African Nations League that will happen every other year.
Ultimately, only time will tell how this decision to switch the AFCON from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule will successfully elevate the tournament’s prestige.
