Egyptian football legend has launched a strong critique of the (CAF) following its decision to alter the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule from a biennial to a four-year cycle.
Reacting publicly to the announcement, Aboutrika argued that the move reflects a deeper problem within African football governance—what he described as an increasing tendency to prioritise European interests at the expense of Africa’s own competitions. According to the former Al Ahly and Egypt star, the decision risks undermining the value, identity, and prestige of the continent’s flagship tournament.
“The African Football Federation in the service of European football. And this is what happens when you don’t realise your true value and status. The loser of the thing does not give,” Aboutrika said, in comments that have since sparked widespread debate across the continent and beyond.
CAF President confirmed on Saturday that AFCON will move to a four-year cycle starting in 2028, effectively ending the long-standing two-year format that has been in place since 1968. The only exception to this rhythm in modern history was the one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions, introduced to realign the tournament calendar.
Under the current arrangement, the biennial structure will remain in effect through the 2027 tournament, which is scheduled to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in East Africa. From 2028 onward, AFCON will be staged once every four years, aligning more closely with the format of other major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
In addition to the AFCON cycle change, CAF also announced plans to introduce an African Nations League, a new competition expected to begin in 2029 and be held annually. CAF officials say the Nations League will provide regular competitive fixtures for national teams, improve standards, and create additional commercial and broadcast opportunities for African football.
However, critics like Aboutrika remain unconvinced, arguing that the changes are being driven largely by pressure from European clubs rather than by the long-term interests of African football. European teams have for years raised concerns about AFCON’s timing, particularly when it clashes with the European club season and forces clubs to release key African players mid-campaign.
Supporters of the reforms argue that moving AFCON to a four-year cycle could enhance the tournament’s global appeal, improve organisation, and allow host nations more time to prepare infrastructure. They also believe it could reduce congestion in the international calendar and lessen friction between African federations and European clubs.
But opponents counter that AFCON’s frequent staging has been one of its defining strengths—providing regular opportunities for African players to shine on the international stage, strengthening national team development, and sustaining fan engagement across the continent. Reducing the frequency, they argue, risks diminishing visibility and weakening the emotional connection many fans have built with the tournament over decades.
Aboutrika’s comments have resonated with a segment of African football supporters who view the decision as symbolic of a broader imbalance in global football power. For them, AFCON is not merely a competition but a cultural and sporting institution that affirms Africa’s place in world football on its own terms.
The debate also touches on deeper questions about autonomy and influence within the global game. While CAF insists the reforms are part of a strategic vision to modernise African football and make it more competitive globally, critics fear that aligning too closely with European schedules could erode Africa’s independence and bargaining power.
CAF has yet to directly respond to Aboutrika’s remarks, but officials have previously stated that the changes are intended to benefit players, federations, and fans by improving quality and sustainability. They also argue that the introduction of the African Nations League will compensate for fewer AFCON tournaments by ensuring national teams play meaningful matches more regularly.
As discussions continue, the decision has clearly opened a fault line within African football discourse—between those who see reform and alignment as necessary progress, and those who fear the continent is conceding too much ground to external interests.
With AFCON 2027 still to be played under the existing format, the coming years will likely serve as a testing period for CAF’s vision. Whether the four-year cycle ultimately strengthens African football or fuels further criticism remains to be seen, but for now, voices like Mohamed Aboutrika’s ensure the debate will remain firmly in the spotlight.
Follow Africa Live News for more African football updates and analysis:
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaLiveNews
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews
