Caf Abandons $1bn Deal After Afcon Biennial Switch

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) reportedly abandoned a deal worth at least $1 billion in secured income over eight years. This decision arose following Caf's shift of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) from a biennial event to a four-year cycle.

According to reports, this change in scheduling led to the withdrawal of Caf's bid for the 2025 tournament. The governing body has not secured a long-term financial deal since 2019, which further complicates its financial landscape.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe communicated this development on July 5, 2025, just before the delayed Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His comments highlighted the implications of this timing on the organization's financial stability.

The decision to move Afcon to a four-year frequency reflects significant changes in the tournament's planning and scheduling, which have broader ramifications for both the governing body and African football.

This restructuring marks a notable shift in the approach to African international football events, leading to questions about the future financial arrangements for Caf and its member associations.