Africa Cup of Nations Expansion to 28 Teams Rejected by Caf Committee

The Confederation of African Football executive committee has rejected a proposal to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams. The Guardian reported that the plan was put forward by Caf president Patrice Motsepe during a February press conference in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and would have taken effect for the 2028 edition.

Two Caf executive committee members said the proposal was defeated in a round-robin vote.

One member stated: “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. ” A second member said Motsepe had advanced the idea without consulting the committee.

Luxolo September, Caf’s communications director, told The Guardian that the expansion question formed only one part of broader discussions on improving the tournament. He said Caf leadership has spent the past two years examining ways to elevate Caf competitions, particularly the Africa Cup of Nations, to world-class standards.

The next Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for June-July 2027 and will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Caf has received bids to host the 2028 tournament from Ethiopia, Morocco and a joint entry from Botswana and South Africa. September said the organization recently opened the formal bidding process for those hosting rights. September added that Caf leadership remains united on its central goal of raising the standard of African football.