Mali national team coach Tom Saintfiet has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle, describing it as a disappointing concession to pressures from FIFA and European clubs.
Speaking to reporters in Rabat on Thursday ahead of Mali’s crucial Group A clash against hosts Morocco, the Belgian coach expressed shock at the change. “I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” Saintfiet said, as reported by AFP and ESPN.
He argued that the shift disrespects the tournament’s 68-year history, stating: “We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history — because this is a history going back 68 years — only because of financial requests from clubs who use the load on players as the excuse while they create a World Cup with 48 teams, a Champions League with no champions.”
Saintfiet highlighted what he sees as hypocrisy in European competitions expanding while citing player welfare concerns to influence African scheduling. “If you want to protect players then you play the Champions League with only the champions. You don’t create more competitions with more load. Then you can still play AFCON every two years,” he added.
The announcement came from CAF President Patrice Motsepe on 20 December 2025, during a press conference in Morocco ahead of the ongoing AFCON 2025 tournament. Motsepe confirmed that editions will proceed in 2027 (co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) and 2028, after which the tournament will occur every four years, aligning more closely with the global calendar.
To compensate, CAF plans to launch an annual African Nations League starting in 2029, modelled after UEFA’s version, aiming to provide regular high-level competition and boost revenue. Motsepe described the changes as beneficial for player welfare, financial sustainability, and harmonisation with FIFA’s schedule, noting increased prize money for the 2025 winners to $10 million from $7 million previously.
The Africa Cup of Nations, inaugurated in 1957, has been held biennially since 1968 (with minor exceptions), generating significant revenue—estimated at around 80% of CAF’s income—and serving as a cornerstone of African football identity. Many of the continent’s top stars play in Europe, leading to recurring tensions over player releases during the tournament, often scheduled mid-European season.
Saintfiet, 52, brings extensive experience in African football, having previously led Gambia to the quarter-finals in 2022 and managed other national teams. Appointed Mali coach in August 2024, he is preparing his side for Friday’s match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where a positive result could strengthen their position in Group A.
The current AFCON 2025, hosted by Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, has seen hosts Morocco start strongly with a 2-0 win over Comoros, while Mali drew 1-1 with Zambia.