CAF unveils major competition overhaul with African Nations League
The Confederation of African Football has announced a sweeping reform of its national team competitions, introducing the African Nations League as part of a broader restructuring aimed at elevating the
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The Confederation of African Football has announced a sweeping reform of its national team competitions, introducing the African Nations League as part of a broader restructuring aimed at elevating the standard of football across the continent.
Under the new framework, the African Nations League will replace the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and feature a multi-tiered format:
African Nations League (Continental Phase): An annual competition beginning with zonal qualifiers and open to all eligible players, including those based in Europe. Successful teams will advance to a centralized final tournament.
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African Nations League (Pan-African Tournament): Scheduled every two years, this phase will mirror the format of the Africa Cup of Nations, featuring 24 teams battling for continental supremacy.
AFCON Revamp: The Africa Cup of Nations will now be staged every four years, reinforcing its status as Africa’s premier football event, with an expanded 28-team format under consideration.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that the reforms are designed to increase competitiveness, create more playing opportunities for African talents globally, and align African football more closely with international standards.
The introduction of the Nations League is also expected to provide consistent, high-level fixtures for national teams, addressing long-standing concerns about irregular competitive schedules.
