Egypt legend Mohamed Aboutrika
Egypt legend Mohamed Aboutrika has criticised the Confederation of African Football following its decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations cycle from two years to four.
Reacting to the announcement, Aboutrika suggested the move reflects African football placing European interests above its own, questioning CAF’s appreciation of the tournament’s value and status.
“The African Football Federation in the service of European football. And this is what happens when you don’t realise your true value and status. The loser of the thing does not give,” Aboutrika said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Saturday that AFCON will adopt a four-year cycle from 2028, bringing an end to the biennial format that has been in place since 1968, apart from a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
The current structure will run through the 2027 tournament in East Africa, after which the competition will move to the new schedule. In addition, CAF has announced plans to introduce an African Nations League, which is expected to be held annually from 2029.
The decision has sparked debate across the continent, with supporters divided over whether the change will strengthen African football or further align it with the interests of European clubs, which have long raised concerns about the timing of AFCON within the global calendar.
