CAF President Patrice Motsepe Defends Move to Four-Year Cycle for African Cup of Nations
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has reaffirmed his support for the controversial decision to shift the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a biennial to a quadrennial competition. This significant change has drawn widespread criticism, with some suggesting it compromises Africa’s standing in global football by aligning more closely with European competition cycles.
At a press conference held on Saturday in Rabat, just before the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, Motsepe acknowledged that CAF could have done a better job of communicating the rationale behind the decision. “We didn’t do as good a job at CAF in preparing the ground on this AFCON every four years,” he admitted. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that this change is ultimately beneficial for African football.
The decision to move the AFCON to a four-year cycle was announced last month and met with backlash from various quarters. Critics, including prominent figures in African football, have alleged that FIFA, under the direction of President Gianni Infantino, pressured the continent into aligning its tournament schedule with that of Europe. However, Motsepe firmly rejected claims of external influence, asserting that Africa must embrace its independence in decision-making. “This is the right decision. We will indeed have a new competition, and it will be enormously successful. African football will be better,” he said.
Looking ahead, Motsepe revealed plans to introduce an African Nations League in 2029, which he believes will not only fill the competitive gap left by the AFCON but also enhance revenue generation for CAF. Historically, the AFCON has provided about 80% of CAF’s budget, but Motsepe indicated that the revenue potential of the African Nations League is significantly higher. “The revenue of the AFCON is significantly less than the revenue we have implemented for the African Nations League,” he explained, expressing confidence in the success of the new format.
Motsepe also emphasised the importance of educating stakeholders and football followers about these changes. “We can be convinced we are doing the right things, but it is important everyone on the continent is convinced we are doing the right things too,” he stated. He called for a collective effort to foster understanding and support among African football fans, affirming, “We know that in two, three years people will see what we are talking about.”
The decision has sparked debate about the long-standing tradition of hosting the AFCON every two years, a practice that many believed was essential for the financial and sporting development of the continent. However, Motsepe argues that the new approach is necessary for the growth of African football on the world stage. “We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this,” he added.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming AFCON and the introduction of the African Nations League, Motsepe's commitment to African football remains resolute. He is hopeful that football fans will ultimately embrace the changes, seeing them as crucial steps towards enhancing the profile and competitiveness of football on the continent. The coming years will be pivotal in demonstrating whether this new direction will yield the promised benefits for African football and its stakeholders.
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