In a major shift for African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to change the schedule of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The continent’s most prestigious football tournament will now be held every four years instead of every two.

The decision was announced to give the event more importance and better planning time. CAF believes this move will make AFCON more like other major continental tournaments, such as the European Championship, which also runs on a four-year cycle.

Alongside this change, CAF will launch a new competition called the African Nations League. Modeled on similar tournaments in Europe, this league will see African national teams play more competitive matches between AFCON tournaments.

The goal of the new league is to increase the quality and competitiveness of African football. It will provide teams with regular high-level games, which is expected to help them improve consistently.