CAF Reshapes AFCON Future as East Africa Stands Firm for 2027 Hosting

By Ndong Gisela

Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled sweeping reforms that could redefine the future of African football, following a high-level CAF Executive Committee (CAFExco) press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. From reaffirming East Africa’s right to host AFCON 2027 to announcing structural changes that will reshape the tournament calendar, CAF signaled its ambition to elevate African football to global standards while strengthening governance and infrastructure across the continent.

AFCON 2027: East Africa’s “Pamoja” Project Remains on Course

CAF President Patrice Motsepe firmly dismissed speculation about a possible fallback plan for AFCON 2027, stressing that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania remain the official co-hosts under the “Pamoja” (Together) initiative.

Despite acknowledged infrastructure challenges across the three nations, Motsepe emphasized that CAF is fully committed to ensuring the tournament’s success. He made it clear that there is no alternative host under consideration, reinforcing confidence in East Africa’s preparedness and regional cooperation.

The 2027 edition will mark a historic first for the region, symbolizing unity and shared ambition as East Africa prepares to welcome the continent.

Structural Overhaul: AFCON to Shift to Four-Year Cycle

CAF also confirmed a major structural reform that will take effect after 2028. AFCON will move permanently to a four-year cycle, a shift designed to better align the competition with the global football calendar, particularly the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

The adjustment aims to reduce scheduling conflicts with European clubs while enhancing the tournament’s prestige and commercial value. CAF believes the new cycle will provide greater stability and allow host nations more time to prepare infrastructure at international standards.

Expansion and Launch of African Nations League

Beyond the calendar reform, CAF announced that AFCON will expand from 24 to 28 teams, broadening participation and offering more nations the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level.

In addition, CAF will introduce an African Nations League, to be played every two years. The new competition is designed to sustain revenue generation, raise competitiveness among national teams, and stimulate stadium development across member associations.

These initiatives form part of CAF’s long-term vision to strengthen African football’s financial ecosystem while ensuring regular high-quality competition.

Discipline and Refereeing Reforms

CAF leadership also addressed concerns over discipline and officiating standards. Motsepe admitted that refereeing standards dipped during the most recent AFCON in Morocco compared to the previous tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire.

He pledged reforms aimed at restoring credibility, including improved referee training and evaluation systems. CAF also plans to introduce stronger sanctions against violent incidents and team walk-offs, emphasizing zero tolerance for actions that undermine the competition’s integrity.

Despite criticism of officiating, Morocco’s infrastructure was praised as a continental benchmark, with its stadium facilities described as a model of excellence for future tournaments.

Morocco to Host 2026 Women’s AFCON

2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

CAF confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, further strengthening the country’s position as a key hub for major African football events. The decision reflects CAF’s confidence in Morocco’s organizational capacity and infrastructure readiness.

Confederation Cup Final and Venue Decisions

Motsepe revealed that he had initially hoped to stage the CAF Confederation Cup final in Dar es Salaam. However, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting the final.

He also ruled out Zanzibar as a venue option for Simba SC, citing regulatory and infrastructure limitations.

A New Vision for African Football

The Dar es Salaam announcements underline CAF’s determination to reshape AFCON into a global-caliber event while balancing pressure from international club football and prioritizing local development.

With East Africa firmly on course for 2027 and structural reforms set to transform the competition’s format and governance, CAF has signaled the start of a new era — one built on expansion, stronger regulation, and continental ambition.