Can to be held every four years from 2028, says caf president Patrice Motsepe

Saturday 20 December 2025 - 17:00

By: Sahili Aya

Can to be held every four years from 2028, says caf president Patrice Motsepe

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, announced on Saturday in Rabat that the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will be organized every four years starting in 2028. The decision marks a significant shift in the calendar of African football competitions.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, Motsepe explained that the new cycle aims to give national teams more time to prepare and to improve the overall quality of the tournament. According to him, the reform reflects a broader strategy to strengthen African football while balancing the interests of national teams, players, and clubs.

In addition to the change in frequency, the CAF president revealed plans to launch a new African Nations League exclusively for national teams. This competition is expected to raise the competitive level across the continent while also generating additional financial resources for African football.

Motsepe also announced an increase in the prize money awarded to the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will rise to 10 million US dollars. The move is intended to enhance the tournament’s attractiveness and reinforce its status among major international football competitions.

The announcement comes on the eve of the opening of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off with a match between host nation Morocco and the Comoros at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.