The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is switching to a four-year cycle from 2028, announced CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
This change comes after the tournament has been held every two years since 1968, with a one-year gap between 2012 and 2013.
The decision was made during a meeting of CAF’s executive committee in Morocco, ahead of the 2025 finals in Rabat.
The change will see the tournament align with the global football calendar, with Motsepe stating that the global calendar has to be “significantly more synchronised and harmonised”.
In addition to the new frequency, CAF has increased the prize money for the winners of AFCON from $7m (£5.2m) to $10m (£7.5m).
Motsepe also announced the creation of the African Nations League, which will take place annually from 2029.
The African Nations League will feature all 54 member associates split into four zones, with six nations in the Northern zone and 16 nations in the Eastern, Western and Central and Southern zones.
Matches will be played in September and October, with the champions from each region meeting in November to decide an overall winner.
Motsepe described the new competition as “the equivalent of an Afcon every year” and said it will be held in partnership with FIFA to attract top-class sponsors.
