Play AFCON every four years- FIFA president suggests

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested that the Africa Cup of Nations tournament be played every four years instead of the usual two years.

Citing revenue and player availability, the President felt a four-year interval could make the difference in re-defining the African tournament.

"Revenue could rise up to six-fold for a four-yearly continental championship, and become a must-see event not only for Africa but the world,” he said.

"The idea would likely be backed by European clubs who dislike losing their players to national-team duty, and especially in mid-season. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in January," he added.

Infantino suggested annual under-16 and under-18 tournaments for boys and girls instead of the current under-17 events every two years.

Worried about the poor performance of Africa teams at the world cup, he said:

“There is an impression that Africa is going backwards,” reminding his audience of Pele’s famous prediction that an African team would win a World Cup by 2000.

He promised to intervene and help Africa in the areas of refereeing, soccer infrastructure and competitions.