Former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has sharply criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule, describing it as an assault on African football.
The announcement came from CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe ahead of the 2025 AFCON, confirming that the tournament will take place every four years from 2028, when Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will jointly host.
In an interview with Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Le Roy did not hold back, targeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“What does [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino know about anything? What does he know about life? Look at how he has become so close to Donald Trump. It’s sickening,” he said.
Le Roy also criticised Infantino’s conduct at the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, claiming it was out of line.
“Football in Africa is under serious attack. It is very wrong to change the AFCON from a two to a four-year event.
“Look at the way Infantino was acting during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, like he owns the place. Can he do this at a UEFA event?. When Issa Hayatou was president, these things would never have happened,” the former Senegal coach added.
The move has sparked widespread debate, with many stakeholders calling for the tournament to remain a biennial fixture.
