AFCON must remain every two years – Motsepe

CAF President Patrice Motsepe addresses media during the CAF President Press Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa on 16 March 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Mar 17, 2021. 17:00

New Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has insisted that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must be held every two years.

South Africa businessman Motsepe, who ran unopposed in the CAF presidential elections in Morocco last week, has revealed that he has come across different opinions in regards to the time span between AFCON tournaments.

He argued that with CAF having posted a loss for the past two years‚ the organisation needs the showpiece Nations Cup to take place every two years to maximise sponsorship revenue.

“This is one area where there were different views [at CAFs assembly]. And I’ve no doubt that‚ where we are now‚ it has to be every two years — there’s no doubt about that‚” Motsepe is quoted by Times Live.

“Let me say something quickly — African football needs partners‚ and you need partners who can make things happen.

“You’ve got partners who’ve got brilliant ideas‚ which is fine. You’ve got partners who’ll have courage — that’s fine.

“But we need partners who will be with us on the ground‚ and in this practical‚ tangible‚ assessable manner that can make a difference in Africa.

“So [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino‚ in all of the discussions and with his passion for‚ commitment to and partnership with, African football‚ to make it succeed‚ and the discussions I’ve had with him for some time … I need him to help us do the things we need to do for Africa.

“Just like I need the private sector‚ and we will be working with the other [football] leadership on the other continents. As I engage with them I need to do what’s in the best interests of Africa.”

The next AFCON is scheduled to be held in Cameroon in January and February of 2022.