AFCON 2025: Why CAF’s new calendar makes sense but its decision-making process may not
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concludes in Morocco with a thrilling final between hosts Morocco and Senegal, the tournament's success has been overshadowed by CAF's bombshell decision to move the flagship competition from its traditional biennial format to every four years starting from 2028. Announced by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe on December 20, 2025, just days before the finals kicked off, the change will see AFCON editions in 2027 (East Africa co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and 2028, followed by a quadrennial cycle aligned with major global events like the European Championships. Why the New Calendar Makes Sense The move addresses long-standing frustrations with AFCON's scheduling. For decades, the biennial tournament has disrupted the European club season, forcing clubs to release African stars mid-campaign and sparking frequent "club vs. country" tensions. Recent editions, including this one held over Christmas and New Year (December 21...