CAF President Patrice Motsepe has fiercely rejected allegations of European influence following the historic decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a quadrennial cycle and replace the loss-making CHAN with a new African Nations League.
In a combative press conference following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe launched a spirited defense of the organization’s independence while announcing a radical restructuring of the continent’s footballing landscape.
Motsepe confirmed that the flagship AFCON tournament will transition from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule starting in 2028, a move he insisted was a unanimous internal decision rather than a concession to European clubs or FIFA.
Addressing critics who suggested the change was made to accommodate external interests, the South African billionaire stated, “You are talking absolute nonsense when you say that we run Africa for Europe. It’s nonsense. You are insulting us. We run Africa for Africa.”
The CAF chief also confirmed the permanent cancellation of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), describing the tournament for home-based players as a “spectacular money loser” that will be replaced by a newly conceived African Nations League.
Despite failing to provide specific financial figures for the recent tournament in Morocco, Motsepe highlighted a significant increase in grants to member associations and urged for a shift in perception regarding African governance, asserting,
“We have to free ourselves as Africans and not believe whenever we take a decision, it’s what FIFA says this or Europe says this. It shows lack of confidence in ourselves.”
While acknowledging that FIFA often makes recommendations, he maintained a firm stance on CAF’s autonomy, concluding that while Africa seeks mutually beneficial global relationships,
“Europe doesn’t dictate the calendar” and the continent remains committed to decisions that prioritize its own financial and competitive growth.