AFCON change seen by some as caving in to FIFAAFP, RABATThe Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a biennial competition to a tournament held every four years has been met with a mixed reaction on the continent with some seeing it as simply caving in to pressure from European clubs and FIFA. CAF president Patrice Motsepe made the landmark announcement following a meeting with FIFA executives in Rabat on the eve of this year’s Cup of Nations in Morocco. Ivory Coast supporters cheer for their team ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations Group F match against Mozambique at Marrakesh Stadium in Morocco on Wednesday. To that end, the creation of a new African Nations League — modeled on the UEFA Nations League — is seen as a way of boosting coffers instead. “I think it will make the competition more attractive,” said Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, currently appearing at his sixth AFCON.

Source: Taipei Times December 25, 2025 17:23 UTC