Abuja:Ivory Coast Hervé Renard, coach of the Ivory Coast, has expressed his support for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held every two years. This endorsement comes amid growing opposition to the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) plans to shift the tournament to a four-year cycle.
According to Ghana Web, CAF announced in December 2025 that the competition would move to a four-year schedule starting with the 2028 edition, a decision that faced criticism from officials and fans across Africa. However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has suggested that the organization might reconsider, bringing the tournament's future format back into discussion.
A proposal to return to a biennial schedule is anticipated to be voted on during CAF's ordinary general assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 21. Renard, who has managed several national teams, believes that maintaining the traditional two-year cycle is more suitable for African football. He stated, "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. Holding the tournament every four years is far too long in my view, but that is my personal opinion."
Sébastien Desabre, coach of the DR Congo, also favors returning to the previous format, arguing for the continuation of the biennial schedule. The proposed change to AFCON's schedule follows CAF's decision to end the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament for players in domestic leagues, citing economic challenges.
The debate over AFCON's frequency is poised to be a significant topic at CAF's November assembly, where member associations will decide whether to keep the four-year cycle or revert to the traditional biennial format.