By Dylan Bettencourt
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie defends CAF decision to play Africa Cup of Nations every four years after 2028 change plan.
- McKenzie rejects claims Fifa and European clubs forced change saying Patrice Motsepe is independent and acting for Africa football interests.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has come out strongly in support of CAF president Patrice Motsepe and the decision to change how often Afcon is played.
CAF has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will move from a two year cycle to every four years after the 2028 tournament.
Some critics have claimed the move was pushed by Fifa and European clubs who do not want players leaving mid season. McKenzie says that view is wrong.
“Patrice can swipe Infantino with a savings card,” McKenzie said, dismissing claims that Motsepe is controlled by Fifa.
He said Motsepe has brought respect and order to African football and should not be undermined.
“Patrice Motsepe has transformed CAF. He has brought professionalism,” McKenzie said. “Now people say he is in Infantino’s pocket. We must stop doing this to our own people.”
Afcon has been played every two years for decades. But weather problems and clashes with European leagues led to several changes in recent tournaments. Editions scheduled for 2023 and 2025 were both moved, forcing CAF to stage tournaments back to back until 2028.
CAF says the new four year cycle will protect players who are often forced to leave their clubs during busy seasons. The organisation says it will also help with planning and sponsorship.
Coaches from countries like Egypt and Mali have criticised the move. They say African football is once again giving in to European pressure.
McKenzie disagrees. He says African football must grow and match global standards.
“Our football is not there yet,” he said. “But this is the direction we must take.”
He also pointed to the poor state of some local leagues, saying African football still has a long way to go.
“Some leagues are still giving a bag of rice for Man of the Match,” he said.
CAF says the final Afcon played every two years will be in 2028.
Pictured above: Gayton McKenzie.
Image source: File
