CAF is poised to scrap its four-year AFCON plan and restore the biennial tournament African football fans know and love.
Africa's biggest football party looks set to keep its rhythm. The Africa Cup of Nations is poised to go back to its traditional two-year cycle, with the CAF Executive Committee expected to make the decision official at its meeting on Thursday.
It would be a major reversal. CAF president Patrice Motsepe had announced that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle from 2028, a plan unveiled ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco. The proposal drew pushback from players, coaches and former footballers, who questioned why the gap between editions should grow.
The biennial format has long given African nations regular chances to chase continental glory. It has also given players a regular stage to announce themselves to the world, and that is a big part of why so many in the game wanted it protected.
Last week CAF wrote to its member associations asking whether AFCON should keep its current format or move to a four-year cycle. The associations had until Wednesday, 28 October, to respond, so CAF could weigh their views before the Executive Committee settled on a schedule for future editions.
With that consultation complete, all eyes turn to Thursday. If the expected decision is confirmed, the calendar for Africa's flagship tournament will be back on familiar ground.
