RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – On the eve of the 35th edition which begins today in Morocco, the African Confederation of Nations (CAF) announces that starting in 2028, the Africa Cup of Nations will be played every four years instead of two. This is a small revolution considering that the biennial schedule has been in place since 1968, with the exception of the 2012 and 2013 editions, which were played 12 months apart. The CAF’s decision, announced President Patrice Motsepe, was made in agreement with FIFA to try to concile the tournament with the international calendar.
A first step had been taken in 2019, when the tournament was played in Egypt between June and July, then in 2021 and 2023 – due to Covid and the climate – the tournament returned to being played between January and February, while the edition in Morocco was moved to the end of the year to avoid clashing with the Club World Cup. The dates for 2027 (it will be played in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) and 2028, whose venue has not yet been chosen, are still to be determined. At the same time, however, the African Nations League will be born, which will be held annually starting in 2029, in which all 54 affiliated federations will participate, divided into four zones: North (6 national teams), East (16), Central-West (16), and South (16). In November, the finals between the local champions will decide the winner.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
