AFCON Expansion: CAF Mulling Over Competitions Format And Timing

AFCON Expansion – Africa’s biggest continental showpiece event, the African Cup of Nations, is set for a format and timing change.

Officials are mulling the possibility of shifting the bieial event from January to July while expanding the number of teams competing from 16 to 24.

The format change proposal comes a few months after FIFA agreed to increase the number of teams in the World Cup to 48.

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CAF has put together a working committee which includes national team’s coaches, former players, and technical experts at its symposium in Rabat to deliberate on the recommendations.

It is understood that the committee has agreed to the recommendations.

Those opposed to the eight-team expansion say the tournament could lose its competitiveness. They also point out the burden of host nation which would also increase, with the increased number of delegates.

Proponents of the AFCON expansion, however, argue that it gives an opportunity for teams with a lesser pedigree to compete in the showpiece event.

The CAF Executive Committee will on Thursday vote to have it formalized before its official aouncement during the Extraordinary Congress on Friday.

Once the resolution is made, the qualifiers format will also need to be amended to accommodate the expansion.

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Differences in climatic conditions have emerged key in triggering a change in AFCON dates to June and/or July as most of the African countries especially in the East and West experience heavy rain falls while the continent’s Northern parts experience scorching heat at the time.

On the issue of moving the competition from its two-year cycle to every four years, the committee declined. Its decision was based on increasing the competition revenues and enhancing its inclusivity.

Details of when the change will be put into effect are yet to be revealed. It will, however, be made public after a CAF technical committee concludes polishing on the development.