Plans to increase the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams have been rejected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee, The Guardian has reported.
The proposal, tabled by CAF president Patrice Motsepe in February during a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, had been expected to take effect from the 2028 tournament. However, it has now been voted down.
Two CAF executive committee members, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the idea was dismissed during a round-robin vote.
One described the proposal as unnecessary and strongly opposed its rationale, while also questioning why it was introduced without wider consultation.
“We took a round-robin vote, and the proposal was soundly rejected. It was a very bad idea. I do not know why Motsepe proposed it in the first place. There is absolutely no reason for it.”
A second member also suggested that Motsepe had advanced the plan without properly engaging the committee beforehand.
CAF communications director Luxolo September, however, said the proposal formed part of broader and ongoing discussions aimed at improving CAF competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations. He stressed that the debate over the tournament’s structure remains open.
“For the last two years or so, Caf leadership has been discussing both in person and through written communication the implementation of the vision of making Caf competitions, in particular, the Caf Africa Cup of Nations, world-class … The debate and discussion is not limited to one aspect. The conversation on the Caf Africa Cup of Nations format is an ongoing discussion within Caf.”
He added that discussions on the format were part of a wider process and not limited to a single proposal.
The next Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for June–July 2027 and will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“Caf recently launched the bidding process for hosting rights,” September said. “Caf leadership is united behind one vision: making African football amongst the best in the world.”
GMet warns of more rain, thunderstorms across Ghana as Benin rainstorm approache...
Let's find out officials who approved building on waterways and punish them — En...
'Beware of diseases and snakebites' — GHS issues public health alert over rainy ...
‘I’m grateful for the support, It’s the hazard of the job’ — Larry Dogbey after ...
We need to keep development away from certain areas to curb flooding — GARID Coo...
Don't blame recurring floods only on the attitude of citizens — Manasseh Azure
Mahama announces national security council meeting to tackle flooding
Flood crisis: 'Identify every blockage in your Assembly for removal' — Mahama o...
Mahama directs immediate release of GH¢300 million for flood relief, mitigation ...
Stop redirecting blame to citizens and address flooding crisis — NPP tells Maham...
