The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is actively reviewing a proposal to reverse its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, with the two-year cycle potentially set to return.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe addressed the matter on Friday at a CAF strategy conference held in Cape Verde. "We've discussed it over the last few days," Motsepe said. "We are looking at everything, including having the Afcon coming back every two years. We are very clear, the matter is being reviewed."

A long-running tradition under threat

The Africa Cup of Nations has been held every two years since 1968, with only a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions disrupting that rhythm. That long-standing format appeared to be coming to an end when CAF announced in December 2025 that the tournament would shift to a four-year cycle following the 2027 edition in East Africa and a further 2028 edition.

The announcement drew immediate and widespread criticism across the continent. National associations voiced serious concerns about the reduced exposure for their teams, the commercial consequences of a longer gap between tournaments, and the competition's standing within the international football calendar.

Pressure mounts on CAF leadership

The pushback from member associations appears to have had an impact, with CAF now signalling a willingness to reconsider. If the two-year cycle is restored, the Africa Cup of Nations would remain one of the most frequently staged major international tournaments in world football — a distinction that many across the continent argue is essential to the competition's identity and commercial value.

No final decision has been announced. Further clarity is expected as CAF's review of the scheduling continues.