Coach slams CAF decision to change AFCON calendar
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffOne coach at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has slammed CAF's decision to hold the tournament every four years instead of the original two.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on the eve of this year's tournament that the tournament will be held every four years from 2028.
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Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has now expressed his disappointment with the decision, which he feels is benefiting Europe.
“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed,” Saintfiet said as quoted by ESPN.
“It’s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA…and that makes me so sad.
“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons…I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years.”
“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.
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“Africa is the world’s biggest football continent, given the passion of the players, the quality of the players, the big African stars in Europe.
“It’s the pride of African football, the best players from Africa, the best players in Europe come together, and it’s a celebration of fans. It’s the honour and the glory of African football, but to take it away and go to four years…I could understand if it was a question from Africa, a request from Africa, if, for whatever reason, it was needed by African players, the federations, or CAF.”