Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has launched a passionate defense of the Africa Cup of Nations’ traditional biennial format, condemning the recent decision to move the tournament to a four-year cycle. During a press conference in Rabat on Thursday, the 52-year-old Belgian tactician argued that the restructuring ignores the continent’s footballing history and serves the financial interests of European clubs and global governing bodies.
Saintfiet’s remarks follow a landmark announcement by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who confirmed that the tournament will adopt a four-year frequency after the 2028 edition to better align with the FIFA global calendar.
The veteran manager, who previously led Gambia to a historic quarter-final finish in 2022, believes the shift undermines the prestige of Africa’s premier sporting event. He suggested that pressure from UEFA and elite European teams—driven by concerns over player workloads and mid-season absences—dictated the change.
Saintfiet pointed out the hypocrisy of expanding European and global competitions, such as the 48-team World Cup and a redesigned Champions League, while simultaneously reducing the frequency of the African showpiece.
“I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” the Belgian told reporters in Rabat ahead of Friday’s AFCON clash between Mali and Morocco. “To take it away and make it every four years, I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa, but it is all instructed by the big people from (European governing body) UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad.”
Mali currently prepares for a high-stakes Group A encounter against tournament hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this Friday. Saintfiet, who took the helm of the Malian national team in August 2024, insisted that Africa deserves greater respect as a global footballing powerhouse.
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