The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected a proposal to increase the Africa Cup of Nations finals from 24 to 28 teams. The plan, which would have taken effect for the 2028 tournament, was voted down by the governing body’s executive committee.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe put forward the expansion idea in February during a press conference in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. However, two executive committee members confirmed the proposal was dismissed following a vote.
One committee member, speaking anonymously, said: “We took a round-robin vote and the proposal was soundly rejected. It was a very bad idea. I do not know why Motsepe proposed it in the first place. There is absolutely no reason for it.” A second official indicated the CAF president had failed to consult the committee beforehand.
Luxolo September, CAF’s communications director, said the expansion proposal formed only “one aspect” of wider debates on improving the tournament. He explained that CAF leadership had spent approximately two years discussing how to make the competition “world-class,” and that conversations about the format continue.
Upcoming tournaments
The rejection means the 2028 Afcon will maintain its current 24-team structure. The next edition, scheduled for June and July 2027, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
CAF has already opened the bidding process for the 2028 competition. Ethiopia, Morocco and a joint bid from Botswana and South Africa have submitted proposals to stage the event.
September emphasised that CAF leadership remains united behind a vision to place African football among the world’s best, despite the executive committee’s dismissal of the expansion plan.