African Football Enters New Era as CAF Announces Major Overhaul of Continental Calendar
In a historic announcement set to reshape the landscape of African football, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has unveiled a sweeping reform package. Following an Executive Committee meeting in Rabat, Morocco, CAF confirmed the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will shift from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year event, among other landmark changes.
AFCON Transitions to Four-Year Cycle
Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, first held in Sudan in 1957, will adopt a new cadence. The change will begin after the 2028 edition. AFCON will still be held as scheduled in 2027 and 2028, with the next tournament under the new format slated for 2032.
“This decision aligns our flagship competition with other major continental championships and the global football calendar,” Dr. Motsepe stated. “It enhances the prestige of the tournament and allows for more comprehensive preparation for our member associations.”
Prize Money Gets Significant Boost
In a move to further elevate the tournament’s stature and reward sporting excellence, the prize money for the AFCON winner will see a substantial increase. The champions’ purse will rise from USD 7 million to USD 10 million, directly investing in the success of Africa’s top national teams.
Introduction of the African Nations League
Perhaps the most revolutionary change is the introduction of a new continent-wide competition: the African Nations League (ANL). Set to launch in 2029, this annual tournament will provide consistent, high-level competitive fixtures for all CAF nations outside of major tournament years.
Scheduled during the FIFA international windows in September and October, with finals every November, the ANL aims to address the long-standing issue of infrequent competitive matches for many African sides.
The league will feature a regionalized format for its initial stages:
- North Africa: 6 teams
- West Africa A, West Africa B, and Central-East-Southern Africa: 16 teams each
This structure is designed to reduce travel costs and foster regional rivalries before culminating in inter-zone finals.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
The comprehensive reforms, announced on the eve of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, represent CAF’s strategic push to modernize African football. The changes are designed to increase the commercial viability and sporting quality of its competitions, create a more predictable calendar for fans and federations, and raise the overall profile of the game across the continent.
As African football turns a new page, the eyes of the world will now be on Morocco this Sunday, where the 2025 AFCON kicks off with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros, signaling the start of a transitional period toward this bold new future.
