FIFA President Infantino wants Africa Cup of Nations every four years

Published on: 01 February 2020
FIFA President Infantino wants Africa Cup of Nations every four years
Infantino wants the AFCON to be played every fours years

Gianni Infantino has made a radical proposal by suggesting that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) be held every four years instead of every two, claiming that his new plan for the continent's top-flight competition can increase revenue by up to six-fold.

The FIFA president comments came in a keynote speech at a conference at the iconic King Mohammed Complex in Sale, Morocco, on developing football in Africa, and closing a widening gap to Europe's dominance of the world game.

The leader of world's football governing body complained that football in the region had not progressed as expected and that he wanted to "project African football to the top of the world."

Infantino said revenue could rise up to six-fold for a four-yearly continental championship and become a must-see event "not only for Africa but the world."

"We have been talking about the development of African football for many years," said Infantino.

"Pele once said that an African team would win the FIFA World Cup, but this hasn't happened and it seems we are not making progress. Today must be the day we turn that page.

"The (AFCON) generates twenty times less than the Euros (European championship). Having a CAN every two years, is that good at the commercial level? Has this developed the infrastructure? Think about spending it every four years."

His plan must be approved by the General Assembly of CAF before it can be implemented.

Infantino's remarks came less than one month after the Confederation of African Football decided to move next year's AFCON tournament in Cameroon from June-July back to its traditional January slot, prompting criticism from clubs who would have to release players at a key point in the season.

However, playing in June-July would have meant following on from FIFA's revamped Club World Cup in China.

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