Changes to the Afcon Schedule

The Africa‍ Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to⁢ undergo a notable change in⁣ its ​scheduling, moving to a quadrennial tournament ‌held ‍in ‌the same year as the European Championships. This decision, announced by ​the Confederation of African ‌Football (Caf), marks a departure from ‍previous plans and ⁢is a ​result of several factors, including the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup and logistical challenges.

initially,‍ Caf‍ had resolved to hold Afcon in June-July starting in 2019, implementing ⁤this plan ​at the 2019 tournament ​in Egypt. However, the‌ COVID-19 pandemic​ disrupted these​ plans, forcing the 2021 ‌(held in 2022) ‌and 2023 tournaments in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively, to be staged in January and February ​due to weather conditions and logistical constraints in West Africa. BBC Sport reported on ​the scheduling changes in December 2023.

The recent expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup to a 32-team format, held in June and July 2023, further intricate matters, again pushing ⁤Caf ⁤to‌ consider mid-season dates.⁢ FIFA’s official ​website details the ⁣expanded Club World Cup format.

2024 and Future Tournaments

As a ⁤outcome, the ‌2024 Afcon, hosted in ⁤Morocco, will be held ​over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time, culminating in the final on January 18, 2025. The dates for the 2027 tournament, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and⁢ Uganda, are still to be resolute. The host nation for the 2028 Afcon has also‌ yet‍ to be announced.

Following the‌ 2028 tournament, afcon will ‍align with‍ the European Championships, taking place every four ⁢years. This⁣ shift aims to provide greater clarity and consistency in the ⁣international football calendar.

Collaboration with FIFA

Caf President Patrice Motsepe stated that the ⁤decision was made in collaboration with FIFA President Gianni ⁣Infantino and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, emphasizing the need for ‌compromise.​ According to ⁤ Reuters, Motsepe acknowledged the necessity of Caf “to compromise” to accommodate⁤ the⁣ broader international football landscape.

impact and Implications

This change in ⁤scheduling will likely have significant implications for European clubs, ⁣who often release their African players during the January/February window for Afcon. Holding the⁣ tournament in June/July, or aligning with⁣ the Euros, could perhaps minimize disruption​ to⁣ club seasons. However, it​ may also present challenges related to player fatigue and planning for both tournaments.

The move to a ​quadrennial schedule also reflects a broader trend in international football towards greater coordination‍ between continental governing bodies and FIFA to streamline the calendar and maximize ‍the appeal of major tournaments.