Riyad Mahrez: Hold AFCON every four years

Riyad Mahrez of Algeria

Tuesday May 12, 2020. 12:00

Algeria and Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez has called for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held every four years instead of every two.

Mahrez helped Algeria claim their second AFCON title with triumph in Egypt midway through last year, and the Fennec Foxes are scheduled to defend their crown in Cameroon in 2021.

The Man City attacking midfielder has also called for the AFCON to be held in the middle of the year so it does not conflict with the European season.

This was the case in 2019 when the tournament was staged in June and July, but the next Nations Cup is set to be held in January and February next year – though this could shift given the coronavirus pandemic.

“Let’s make AFCON once every four years and in summer,” Mahrez said in an Instagram Live interview, as quoted by Goal.

“We loved Egypt, it wasn’t too hot. Every two years and in winter, that is why African football is not respected.

“You have a crazy amount of action in your own clubs, then you leave for two months.”

Mahrez added that Lyon duo Houssem Aouar and Rayan Cherki, both of Algerian descent, would be welcome in the North African national team.

“If Aouar wants to play for France, it’s not a problem,” Mahrez said. “If he wants to play in Algeria with us, he is welcome. It’s his choice, it’s his career.

“Rayan Cherki I haven’t seen him play much. He is still too young to talk about his future in selection.”