Africa Cup of Nations may stay as a biennial event, says CAF chief Motsepe

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-10T04:15:32.098Z • Permanent link

Motsepe, the current Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, has revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations may remain a biennial event, rather than switching to an annual format as previously discussed. This move is seen as a response to growing concerns over player fatigue and the need for more competitive balance among participating teams. According to reports, CAF is currently evaluating several options for the tournament's format, including the possibility of holding the event every two years. The decision is expected to be made by the end of the year, with the 2025 edition of the tournament already scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast.

The CAF president's announcement has been met with mixed reactions from football fans and stakeholders across the continent. Some have expressed concerns that a biennial format could lead to a decrease in the tournament's overall competitiveness, while others have welcomed the potential for more rest and recovery time for players. The move is also seen as a nod to the growing trend of increasing player welfare in the sport, with many top leagues and clubs adopting more relaxed fixture schedules in recent years.

The decision to consider a biennial format is also seen as a response to the changing landscape of international football. With the rise of global superpowers like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, the traditional powerhouses of African football are under increasing pressure to produce consistent results. The biennial format could provide a much-needed respite for teams like Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana, who have struggled to maintain a high level of performance in recent years.

The potential switch to a biennial format could have significant implications for companies involved in the production and distribution of football equipment, as well as for research communities studying the sport. For example, companies like Nike and Adidas, which have significant sponsorship deals with CAF, may need to adjust their production and distribution strategies to accommodate a more spaced-out tournament schedule. Similarly, researchers studying the impact of football on African economies may need to reassess their findings in light of the potential changes to the tournament's format.

The decision could also have a significant impact on the broader policy environment surrounding the tournament. For example, the United Nations has been using the Africa Cup of Nations as a platform to promote women's football, with several high-profile female players set to participate in the 2025 edition. If the tournament is indeed moved to a biennial format, it could provide a valuable opportunity for CAF to build on this momentum and promote women's football even further.

The debate over the Africa Cup of Nations' format is part of a larger trend in international football, with several top leagues and tournaments exploring alternative formats in recent years. For example, the English Premier League has been experimenting with a mid-season break to give players more rest and recovery time, while the UEFA Champions League has been considering a potential overhaul of its format to make it more competitive and exciting. The decision by CAF to consider a biennial format is also seen as part of a broader shift towards greater player welfare and more sustainable competition structures in the sport.