CAF makes U-turn, AFCON reverts back to being held every two years

AFCON will return to its traditional two-year cycle after CAF Executive Committee unanimously reversed its decision to stage the continental showpiece every four years.

The decision, announced on Thursday, October 29, marks a significant U-turn from the plan unveiled last year, which would have seen AFCON move to a four-year schedule, with a proposed Africa Nations League taking its place as the continent's biennial competition.

CAF said the reversal followed concerns over how long the proposed replacement competition would take to become financially viable and generate the revenue needed to support the development of African football.

"The African Football Confederation (CAF) Executive Committee today unanimously decided that the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to taking place every two years," CAF said in a statement.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the decision was made in the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and players employed by clubs outside the continent.

Source: The Standard Sports