AFCON to maintain current format – CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will continue to be held every two years.

CAF also stated that there are no plans to expand the competition, like FIFA has done with the World Cup.

“It is always a contentious date from a European perspective, but not from the perspective of Africa,” CAF general secretary Hicham El Amrani said.

“It has been the most successful way to develop and organise African football … It’s critical to keep it every two years if we are to further develop infrastructure. The Nations Cup brings not only new stadiums but also upgrades in terms of airports, road and hotels.”

Top European clubs have criticized the organization of the tournament every two years, as they lose their top African stars.

But CAF are adamant they will not readjust the timing or the number of participating countries.

“Sixteen teams is a great format for us. We see it as a fair and consistent sporting approach. If we expanded it, only a few African countries would have the capacity to ever be able to host it, and that is not what we want,” El Amrani added.

“We don’t want to exclude anybody from hosting the tournament.”

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