Mali boss Tom Saintfiet critical of AFCON format change

The next finals in 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will go ahead, along with the following tournament in 2028, but after that the AFCON will be hosted every four years.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed the news prior to the kick off the 35th edition of the competition currently underway in Morocco.

The move coincides with the launch of an annual African Nations League from 2029, with Motsepe explaining: "Historically the Nations Cup was the prime resource for us but now we will get financial resources every year.

"It is an exciting new structure which will contribute to sustainable financial independence and ensure more synchronisation with the FIFA calender."

Saintfiet though told ESPN: "I'm shocked with it, very disappointed.

"It's all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA and that makes me so sad.

"We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa's own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons. I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years.

"I'm sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.

"Africa is the world's biggest football continent, given the passion of the players, the quality of the players, the big African stars in Europe.

"It's the pride of African football, the best players from Africa, the best players in Europe come together, and it's a celebration of fans.

“It's the honour and the glory of African football, but to take it away and go to four years, I could understand if it was a question from Africa, a request from Africa, if, for whatever reason, it was needed by African players, the federations, or CAF.”