The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly preparing to reverse its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, with the tournament expected to return to its traditional two-year cycle.

Investigative sports journalist Romain Molina reported on Friday, October 9, 2026, that CAF’s Executive Committee would discuss the possibility of scrapping the four-year format.

In a subsequent update on X, Molina indicated that the return to a biennial competition had effectively been decided, although he was uncertain when the decision would be officially announced.

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“The CAN will indeed switch back to a two-year cycle as I announced to you this morning,” Molina wrote.

He added that an official announcement could come soon.

If confirmed, the development would represent a significant U-turn for CAF, which announced in December 2025 that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the original decision, arguing that the revised schedule would better align African football with the international calendar. The governing body also announced plans to introduce an African Nations League from 2029.

However, the proposed change attracted criticism amid concerns about its implications for African football’s commercial value and independence.

CAF has since invited member associations to bid to host the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions.

FKA/JKB

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