CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced major changes to the African Cup of Nations tournament ahead of the start of the 2025 edition, sparking mixed reactions online, SportPremi reports.
Africa’s biggest football competition has often been criticized for its wrong timing, with the 2025 edition holding between December 2025 and January 2026.
Major European clubs are usually affected by this decision as participating players could miss several matches during the course of the tournament.
The tournament will now take place in the summer every four years after the 2028 edition, as the Mamelodi Sundowns owner aims to solve the ongoing club-country row over participating players.
Additionally, an African Nations League, similar to the UEFA Nations League will be introduced, although uncertainty remains about the specifics of the tournament.
The 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament will enter its second match-day later today as countries continue the race to book their spots in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Mali head coach blasts CAF’s change
Reacting to this development, Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet slammed Africa’s governing body over the decision, alleging interference from FIFA, UEFA and leading European clubs.
“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed. It’s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA…and that makes me so sad”, Saintfiet admitted.
“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons…I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years.
“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.”
Mali face host nations Morocco in their second group match later tonight, aiming to record their first win of the tournament after a 1-1 draw with Zambia in their first game.
“[We are changing] for the pressure of the clubs, who are giving the load on the players as an excuse for the change, but who have created a Club World Cup for teams, a World Cup with 40 teams, a Champions League without champions”, the Mali gaffer continued.
“If you want to respect players, you should play the Champions League with only champions, don’t create new leagues which put more load on players, and then they can still play in a competition [the AFCON] which has existed for 60 years, on a two-year basis.
Africa is the world’s biggest football continent, given the passion of the players, the quality of the players, the big African stars in Europe,” Saintfiet added.
“1957 was the first AFCON, and since that period, every two years there’s been one.
“It’s the pride of African football, the best players from Africa, the best players in Europe come together, and it’s a celebration of fans.
‘It’s the honour and the glory of African football, but to take it away and go to four years…I could understand if it was a question from Africa, a request from Africa, if, for whatever reason, it was needed by African players, the federations, or CAF.”
South Africa head coach welcomes new CAF development
In contrast, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos believes the decision of the football federation was a welcome development.
“I think it’s a good thing that from 2028, AFCON will be held every four years. We have, now, the World Cup for clubs in June, the AFCON, and in six months, the World Cup”, Broos admitted.
“For African teams that are qualified for the World Cup, it’s a little bit difficult. Even we [had to take a moment to refocus ahead of] the AFCON in December, because we were preoccupied with the World Cup.
“I think it’s a very good thing. AFCON can really [be the main] focus,” Broos added.
“In six months, there is a World Cup, so you risk a little bit to think too much to that World Cup and leave that AFCON. Again, also, for us it was the case. I think it’s a very good thing that things are a little bit in order now.
“Maybe, that can also help African countries go further in a World Cup… because they can focus now on that World Cup,” Broos concluded.
