The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has abandoned its plan to organise the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, citing concerns over the financial sustainability of its proposed Africa Nations League.

The decision was unanimously approved by CAF’s Executive Committee on Thursday, restoring AFCON’s traditional two-year cycle.

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CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the reversal following an Executive Committee meeting, after the governing body reconsidered its competition calendar during a strategy conference held in Cabo Verde from October 7 to 9.

In December 2025, CAF had announced plans to move AFCON to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition, with a new Africa Nations League competition expected to replace it as the continent’s biennial national-team tournament.

However, Motsepe said the decision to reverse the plan was based on protecting African football’s interests.

"The decision to restore the two-year cycle was based on protecting the interests of African football, CAF’s 54 member associations and African players employed by clubs outside the continent,” he said.

He added that CAF was concerned about the time the proposed Africa Nations League would need to generate sufficient revenue.

"The governing body was concerned about the time required for the proposed Africa Nations League to generate sufficient financial resources to make CAF competitions globally competitive and self-supporting,” he said.

What happens next?

The next AFCON will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, from June 19 to July 17.

CAF has also scheduled subsequent editions for 2028, 2031 and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup.

The decision means AFCON will retain its biennial format, with East Africa preparing to host the continental competition for the first time.