Renard Calls on CAF to Keep AFCON Every Two Years
Ivory Coast head coach Hervé Renard has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to continue holding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every two years.
Renard said waiting four years between tournaments would be too long, adding his voice to growing calls for CAF to reconsider its plan to change the competition’s schedule.
CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle from 2028. The decision sparked criticism from football officials, coaches and fans across Africa.
However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has recently indicated that the decision could be reviewed, raising hopes that the tournament could return to its traditional two-year schedule.
A proposal to restore the biennial format is expected to be discussed at CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly scheduled for November 21 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking to Afrik-Foot, Renard said he supported the idea of keeping AFCON every two years.
“I think returning to holding the Africa Cup of Nations every two years is excellent, and that the tournament should continue as it was in the past,” he said.
“Holding the tournament every four years is far too long in my view, but that is my personal opinion.”
Renard believes the current format remains important to African football, giving national teams regular opportunities to compete for continental honours.
Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has also supported keeping AFCON every two years.
Supporters of the change to a four-year cycle argue that it could create more space in the international football calendar. However, those against the move believe it could reduce opportunities for teams and players to compete at the highest level.
CAF’s plan to restructure AFCON also came alongside the cancellation of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition for players who feature in their domestic leagues. CAF cited concerns about the competition’s financial sustainability.
With calls for a review continuing, attention will now turn to CAF and its member associations to decide the future schedule of Africa’s biggest national-team football competition.
