Two CAF Executive Committee Members Reportedly Oppose Biennial AFCON Format

Posted : 12 October 2026

Two members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee, Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti, have reportedly opposed maintaining the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a two-year cycle. Their reported positions come amid renewed debate over the tournament's schedule and its place in the international football calendar.

Yahya, president of the Mauritanian Football Federation, and Waberi, president of the Djibouti Football Federation, are said to have expressed reservations about the biennial format. However, neither the specific reasons behind their reported opposition nor the details of any formal proposal have been publicly established in the reports.

The debate comes after CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle following the 2028 edition. CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the change formed part of a broader restructuring of African football competitions to better align with the international calendar.

Under the announced plans, the 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, followed by the 2028 edition. CAF has also announced plans to introduce an African Nations League from 2029, creating a new annual competition for national teams.

The proposed change to AFCON's frequency has implications for national football associations, players and commercial partners. A four-year cycle could reduce scheduling clashes with club football, particularly in Europe, but it has also raised concerns about the tournament's financial importance and the opportunities it provides African national teams to compete for continental honours.

AFCON has traditionally been held every two years and remains one of the continent's most important sporting events. Its schedule affects national team preparation, player availability and revenue planning for CAF and its member associations.

Waberi's reported position has attracted additional attention amid a separate dispute over his leadership of the Djibouti Football Federation. Reports have described attempts by federation members to remove him, although the implications for his position within CAF remain unclear.

CAF has not publicly confirmed the details of the two officials' reported opposition. It also remains unclear whether their positions will lead to a formal review of the tournament calendar or influence the confederation's existing plans.

Two CAF Executive Committee Members Reportedly Oppose Biennial AFCON Format

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics