Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has launched a strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football over its decision to restructure the Africa Cup of Nations calendar, describing the move as damaging to the continent’s football identity.
CAF confirmed ahead of the 2025 AFCON that the tournament will move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year cycle starting from the 2028 edition, alongside the planned introduction of an African Nations League.
The change is aimed at aligning AFCON with major international tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and easing congestion in the global football calendar.
Saintfiet voiced his concerns following Mali’s 1-1 draw with Zambia in their opening Group match, speaking ahead of his side’s next fixture against Morocco on Friday, December 26.
The Belgian coach made it clear that he views the decision as one driven by external pressure rather than African interests.
“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed. It’s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA…and that makes me so sad,” Saintfiet told ESPN.
“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe,” he added.
Saintfiet argued that AFCON’s biennial rhythm has been central to African football culture and warned that abandoning it risks undermining decades of tradition.
“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons…I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years,” he said.
CAF has defended the reforms as necessary to improve player welfare and global competitiveness.
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