CAF President Motsepe denies European Influence on AFCON schedule

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has strongly denied allegations that the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was altered to suit European football interests.

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Speculation followed CAF’s announcement that AFCON would be held every four years, beginning in 2028, a decision revealed shortly before the start of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Morocco.

Critics suggested the adjustment was made to accommodate European leagues and football authorities.

Addressing the issue during a press conference on Saturday, Motsepe dismissed the claims as baseless and challenged what he described as a lingering inferiority complex in African football administration.

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“We have to stop the inferiority complex. We must move away from the idea that FIFA controls Africa,” Motsepe said.

“Do you mean Africa doesn’t have the capacity to speak for itself?”

He described suggestions that Europe dictated CAF’s decision as “absolute nonsense” and “rubbish,” insisting that African football institutions make independent decisions in the best interest of the continent.

Motsepe further clarified that CAF’s relationship with global football bodies such as FIFA is rooted in mutual respect rather than subordination.

“FIFA respects us. Let’s stop the inferiority complex. Sometimes we both compromise to accommodate the interests of football,” he explained.