Tom Saintfiet, the Belgian head coach of Mali's national football team, has launched a scathing attack on the recent decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle starting after the 2028 edition. Speaking to reporters in Rabat on December 25, 2025, ahead of Mali's crucial Group A match against hosts Morocco on December 26, Saintfiet described the change as imposed by FIFA, UEFA, and major European clubs for financial reasons, labeling it a "disrespect" to African football's heritage and identity.
"I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football," Saintfiet said. "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 UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad."
The 52-year-old coach, who has managed several African sides including guiding Gambia to the quarter-finals of the 2022 AFCON, accused European entities of hypocrisy. He argued that while clubs cite player workload as justification for reducing AFCON frequency, they simultaneously expand competitions like the UEFA Champions League and FIFA's Club World Cup. "We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history—because this is a history going back 68 years—only because of financial requests from clubs who use the load on players as the excuse while they create a World Cup with 48 teams, a Champions League with no champions," Saintfiet stated. "If you don’t get relegated in England you almost get into Europe, it is so stupid. If you want to protect players then you play the Champions League with only the champions. You don’t create more competitions with more load. Then you can still play AFCON every two years."
Saintfiet concluded by emphasizing Africa's dominance in global talent supply: "Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans, so I think we disrespect Africa by going to every four years. I am very sad about that, I hoped that the love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe."
The comments come during the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where Mali drew 1-1 with Zambia in their opener and face a tough test against the hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Saintfiet was appointed Mali coach in August 2024.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the shift on December 20, 2025, stating that after editions in 2027 (East Africa) and 2028, the tournament will align with a quadrennial cycle, accompanied by a new annual African Nations League to generate revenue and provide regular competition. Motsepe described it as necessary for financial sustainability and player welfare, in coordination with FIFA.
The traditional biennial format dates back to 1957 (with a brief exception in the 1960s), making AFCON unique among major continental tournaments. Proponents argue the change reduces calendar congestion and elevates prestige, while critics like Saintfiet see it as capitulation to external pressures, potentially diminishing Africa's voice in global football governance.
Saintfiet's outspoken views highlight ongoing tensions between African football and European interests, particularly over player releases and scheduling conflicts. As the 2025 tournament progresses—from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026—the debate adds another layer to discussions on the sport's future on the continent.
