The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed plans to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle, restoring the tournament’s traditional biennial format as preparations gather pace for the 2027 edition in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the Executive Committee unanimously decided to retain the two-year cycle to protect the interests of African football and the confederation’s 54 member associations.
Under the revised schedule, AFCON will be staged in 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030, when the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place.
CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 tournament, with a new Africa Nations League intended to become the continent’s biennial senior men’s competition.
But Motsepe said CAF was concerned that the proposed Nations League would need several years before it could make substantial financial and football development contributions comparable to those generated by AFCON.
“The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every two years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interests of African football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations,” Motsepe said.
AFCON is one of CAF’s most established commercial properties, generating revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and other partnerships while providing national associations with exposure and financial support.
The decision comes as CAF also undergoes a leadership change, with Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu confirmed as general secretary after serving in an acting capacity since March.
Adamu, the first Nigerian to hold the position, previously served as CAF’s director of competitions and later director of tournaments and events.
He now oversees the confederation’s day-to-day administration and implementation of decisions by its leadership.
The Nigeria Football Federation welcomed his confirmation, with acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme describing Adamu as a knowledgeable and experienced football administrator.
Adamu is also playing a prominent role in preparations for AFCON 2027, which is scheduled for June 19 to July 17 across the three East African host countries.
Sponsorship Agreement
In Uganda, CAF and the Uganda Tourism Board have signed a sponsorship agreement making the board the tournament’s official destination sponsor.
The partnership is designed to use AFCON’s international reach to promote Uganda’s wildlife, culture, hospitality and investment opportunities while attracting visitors during and after the tournament.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala, Adamu said the previous AFCON in Morocco recorded a cumulative television audience of 3.2 billion and said Uganda could use the 2027 tournament to build on the more than 1.6 million international visitors it already receives annually.
“We want visitors to come for the football, discover the beauty of Uganda, experience its hospitality, and leave with memories that bring them back long after the final whistle,” Adamu said.
Ugandan officials hope the partnership will help the country move toward its target of attracting 5 million tourists by 2030.
