Infantino gets his way but countries fear Afcon switch will hit them in the pocket | Ed Aarons

"As well as improving standards in refereeing and mobilising investment in the continent's infrastructure, the president of Fifa floated the prospect of holding its most important tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, every four years instead of every two and described the current arrangement as useless. The argument ran that it would be more beneficial for countries at the commercial level and would help to project African football to the top of the world."

"From 2028, a tournament that has caused big disruption to European leagues for more than three decades due to its scheduling in the middle of the domestic season will now take place in four-year cycles. That may be welcomed by many Premier League managers and sporting directors, but there are understood to be widespread fears within several African federations that they will lose out as a consequence, with 80% of Caf's revenue having historically been drawn from Afcon."

Gianni Infantino proposed holding the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of every two to improve commercial prospects and infrastructure investment. He argued the change would benefit countries at the commercial level and help project African football globally. From 2028 the tournament will shift to a four-year cycle, addressing scheduling conflicts with European domestic seasons. Many Premier League managers and sporting directors welcome the change. Several African federations fear revenue losses because roughly 80% of Caf's historical revenue has come from Afcon. Patrice Motsepe confirmed the plans despite earlier stating disagreement due to financial dependence on the tournament.

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