CAF rejects proposal to expand AFCON to 28 teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected a proposal to expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams.

According to The Guardian (UK), the proposal, put forward by CAF president Patrice Motsepe in February, would have taken effect from the 2028 edition of the tournament if approved.

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Two CAF Executive Committee members, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the proposal was voted down during a round-robin vote.

One committee member described the plan as unnecessary, saying there was “absolutely no reason” to increase the number of participating teams, while another claimed the proposal was presented without prior consultation with the committee.

CAF’s Communications Director, Luxolo September, disclosed the expansion proposal, formed part of broader discussions aimed at improving the competition and making AFCON a world-class tournament.

“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 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, while Ethiopia, Morocco, and a joint bid from Botswana and South Africa have submitted bids to host the 2028 edition.