CAF’s decision to switch the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle from 2028 has sparked widespread debate across African football, with many observers highlighting the influence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the move, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Announcing the change in Rabat on Saturday, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the shift would take effect after the 2027 AFCON in East Africa and a subsequent 2028 edition.

He also revealed the creation of an African Nations League, set to take place annually from 2029, which he described as “the equivalent of an AFCON every year.”

Motsepe said the decisions were made in conjunction with Infantino and FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, emphasising that CAF “have to compromise.”

The new structure also includes an increase in AFCON prize money from $7m to $10m.

Motsepe hailed the changes as “the most exciting new structure for African football,” adding that the global calendar needed to be “significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

The announcement immediately reignited references to comments made by Infantino in 2020, when he openly questioned the value of a biennial AFCON.

He had previously proposed the four-year cycle in 2020, arguing that a biennial AFCON had not delivered meaningful commercial or developmental benefits.

Speaking at a seminar in Rabat, he said, “The [AFCON] generates twenty times less than the Euros. Having a CAN every two years, is that good at the commercial level? Has this developed the infrastructure? Think about spending it every four years.”

He also suggested creating a pan-African Super League with 20 permanent member clubs, which was created as the African Football League but was abolished after one year.

Social media reactions to CAF’s announcement were divided. Some praised the change and the African Nations League as a compromise.

Joe Crann wrote, “I like it. I know that it can be seen as catering to Europe to some extent, and that’s probably not wrong, but I’ve always liked the idea of it being more spaced out—I think it increases the prestige of it all.”

Similarly, Oliver Pearman noted that the Nations League could benefit players and fans, saying, “I think this is a great move.”

Others were more critical, suggesting the decision favoured European and FIFA interests.

LaMaisonDesBlues posted, “Sadly, colonial influence never truly left our football. FIFA has effectively tightened its grip on African football, while CAF officials remain overly submissive, lacking independent vision, planning, or ambition. It’s a disgrace, Patrice Motsepe comes across as nothing more than Infantino’s puppet.”

The Guardian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, added, “In February 2020, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said a two-yearly AFCON ‘was useless’ and it should become a four-yearly event. On 20th December 2025, Infantino got his way. It will be a four-yearly event from 2028. I weep for Africa.”

Mbulazi echoed similar frustration, writing, “Benefit them sponsors only and no one else. They are trying to be innovative, but instead they are killing our love for this beautiful sport.”

HA-keem also questioned the motives behind the reforms, stating, “It’s Gianni’s interest and Euro clubs’ interest !”

Concerns were also raised about the wider implications for African football development. Matsatsela Sesu argued that frequent tournaments had helped less developed nations, saying, “Every 2 years gives other countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi a chance to build stadiums and infrastructure. Europe is developed, so we can’t compare it with Africa.”

AdamK criticised CAF’s priorities, adding, “CAF has no excuse then not to fix the inter-club competitions then. Might as well do the bare minimum even if CAF is going to be Infantino-Europe bootlickers.”

Scepticism extended to the newly announced African Nations League, with Robert K Circles writing, “So we’re gonna play AFCON 2027 & subsequently play AFCON 2028!! I appreciate the 4-year gap, but the Africa Nations League being an annual tournament is a little too much.”

Others suggested the changes were part of a broader FIFA agenda, as E.K. wrote, “The real plan is to create space for the FIFA World Cup to be every 2 years.”

Supporters highlighted the logistical and financial benefits of the four-year cycle.

“Firstly, hosting this tournament is very expensive. Imagine three countries hosting the next one. Secondly, there have been inconsistencies in the timing of the tournament in the last six years. This has to stop. We need stability,” Ugodrey commented.

United Force 4 Justice also argued, “We can’t be playing AFCON every two years. We want our stars at top clubs; if I am a coach, I can easily go for the option that won’t leave the club every two years in the name of AFCON.”