The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to a two-year cycle instead of shifting to a four-year format as previously planned, highlighting a sudden reversal in the organization's strategic roadmap.

CAF had previously surprised the sports world last December by introducing a four-year cycle to accommodate a proposed continental Nations League. However, this controversial initiative faced widespread skepticism and backlash from stakeholders across the region, forcing officials to reconsider their stance.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe allegedly claimed that the alternative Nations League would take years to generate sufficient revenue to sustain African football. Motsepe stated that the reinstatement of the biennial AFCON aims to protect the interests of 54 member associations and African players abroad, though critics point out the constant policy shifts reflect organizational instability.

Looking ahead, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are set to co-host the upcoming tournament in 2027, with subsequent editions scheduled for 2028, 2031, and 2033. Maintaining long-standing tradition, there will be no AFCON tournament held in 2030 to avoid conflicting with the FIFA World Cup year.

Source: www.aljazeera.com