The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed plans to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, opting to retain the competition’s traditional two-year format.

The decision was unanimously approved by the CAF Executive Committee, with President Patrice Motsepe announcing the reversal after the organisation’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde.

CAF had earlier considered switching to a four-year cycle and introducing an Africa Nations League to fill the gap between tournaments. However, the governing body concluded that the proposed alternative would take several years to deliver the financial and developmental benefits needed to strengthen African football.

Motsepe said retaining the biennial format was necessary to protect the interests of CAF’s 54 member associations and African players competing outside the continent.

Under the revised calendar, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 edition, with subsequent tournaments scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.

The CAF president expressed confidence in the three East African countries’ ability to deliver a successful tournament, describing AFCON as a vital platform for showcasing African football and celebrating the continent’s diverse cultures.

He added that the revised schedule was designed to prevent clashes with the FIFA World Cup, particularly the 2030 edition.

The decision reverses CAF’s earlier proposal to abandon the biennial format and reaffirms AFCON’s position as Africa’s flagship national team competition.