Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has openly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to alter the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar, describing the move as deeply disappointing and damaging to African football.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Mali’s Group A encounter with hosts Morocco at the ongoing 2025 AFCON, the Belgian tactician did not hide his frustration over the shift from a biennial tournament to a four-year cycle.
“I am very shocked and disappointed with the decision,” started Saintfiet. “1957 was the first AFCON and played every two years. It is the pride of African football, the best players from Africa playing for the big clubs in Europe come together to celebrate and defend the honour and the glory of African football,” he added.
Saintfiet argued that the change undermines a competition that has long been a symbol of African football identity and unity, insisting that the decision was not driven by African stakeholders.
“To take it away and then bring it after every four years is bad. I would understand if it was a question from Africa, a request needed by African players, the African federations or even CAF but it is all instructed by big people from Uefa, the big clubs in the big clubs in Europe and also by FIFA,” he stated.
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CAF recently confirmed that AFCON will next be staged in 2027 and again in 2028, after which the tournament will officially move to a four-year cycle. In the revised calendar, the Africa Nations League is expected to take up the space previously occupied by the biennial AFCON.
Saintfiet’s remarks echo growing concerns among coaches and fans who fear that commercial and European interests are increasingly shaping African football decisions, often at the expense of the continent’s traditions and competitive rhythm.
