The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed sweeping changes to its continental competitions, with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to move to a four-year cycle and a new Africa Nations League launching in 2028.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the decision on Saturday, saying AFCON will no longer be held every two years after the 2027 tournament.

The move ends a decades-long tradition and brings Africa’s flagship football event closer in line with other major international tournaments.

CAF explains why AFCON will no longer be held every two years

Motsepe said CAF reached the decision after consulting stakeholders and assessing the growing pressure on players caused by congested global football calendars.

“I have had players saying I want to come to the national team but my club needs me because they want to win the league,” Motsepe said. “We have had to make sacrifices to lessen the burden on the players.”

Africa Nations League to launch in 2028

While AFCON shifts to a four-year cycle, CAF plans to keep African football active by introducing the Africa Nations League, which will be played annually from 2028.

The new competition will take place during FIFA international windows and will be divided into Northern, Eastern, Western, Central and Southern African regions.

“The African Nations League will result in Africa having a competition every year where the best players who play in Europe will be here,” Motsepe said.

“It will significantly improve the quality of our competitions.

“What is significant is that in this competition that is going to take place during the Fifa window every year, top players will be available and more money will be available from partners.”