CAF rejects proposal to expand AFCON to 28 teams

A proposal to increase the number of participating teams at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 has been rejected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), according to a report by the Guardian UK.

The expansion plan was reportedly proposed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in February. If approved, the new format would have taken effect from the 2028 AFCON.

However, two members of CAF’s Executive Committee, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the proposal was voted down during deliberations.

One committee member described the idea as unnecessary.

> “We took a round-robin vote and the proposal was soundly rejected. It was a very bad idea. I do not know why Motsepe proposed it in the first place. There is absolutely no reason for it,” the official said.

Another committee member claimed the proposal was presented without prior consultation with the Executive Committee.

CAF’s Communications Director, Luxolo September, told the Guardian that discussions about expanding AFCON formed part of a wider review aimed at improving the competition.

According to him, CAF has, over the past two years, been exploring ways to transform its tournaments—particularly AFCON—into world-class competitions.

“The debate and discussion is not limited to one aspect. The conversation on the CAF Africa Cup of Nations format is an ongoing discussion within CAF,” September said.

The next edition of AFCON is scheduled to hold between June and July 2027, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania serving as joint hosts.

CAF has also opened the bidding process for the 2028 tournament, with bids already submitted by Ethiopia, Morocco and a joint bid from Botswana and South Africa.

September said CAF remains committed to raising the global profile of African football.

“CAF leadership is united behind one vision: making African football amongst the best in the world,” he said.