Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has voiced strong opposition to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule.
CAF announced the change ahead of the 2025 AFCON, with president Dr Patrice Motsepe confirming that the four-year cycle will begin after the 2028 edition, set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
In the meantime, the newly introduced African Nations League will take place every two years.
Speaking to the media following Egypt’s 0-0 draw against Angola on Monday, Hassan argued that the decision favours European clubs and professional players at the expense of African football.
“I am completely against the four-year cycle, which is clearly designed to accommodate European clubs and professional players. Can CAF change the format of the European Championship? Of course not,” he said.
The former Egyptian international added, “I am not satisfied with this decision at all. As an African and Egyptian former player, I believe these tournaments are being tailored to suit European clubs. There must be a strong stance from African national teams against CAF,” he added.
The move has sparked intense debate among fans and football stakeholders, with many calling for the tournament to maintain its traditional two-year cycle.
