Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has strongly criticised the decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, accusing FIFA and powerful European football interests of forcing the change on the continent for financial reasons.
The Belgian coach expressed his frustration on Thursday while speaking to journalists in Rabat ahead of Mali’s Group A encounter against host nation Morocco at the ongoing 2025 AFCON.
Saintfiet described the decision as a major setback for African football, arguing that it undermines the history and identity of the continent’s premier football competition.
According to him, AFCON represents the pride of African football and a vital platform for showcasing the continent’s best talents.
He said he would have understood the shift to a four-year cycle if it had originated from African football authorities for internal reasons, but insisted the move was instead driven by pressure from FIFA, European football bodies, and elite clubs.
Saintfiet lamented that African football, after decades of struggling for global respect, had now altered a tradition spanning nearly seven decades to accommodate external interests.
He noted that the tournament has been held mostly every two years since its inaugural edition in 1957, making the decision a significant break from history.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe announced last weekend that AFCON would transition to a four-year cycle after a planned 2028 edition.
The announcement has since sparked debate across the football world, particularly among coaches, players, and fans within Africa.
The Mali coach argued that claims about player welfare were being used selectively.
He pointed out that while European clubs cite player workload as justification, the same stakeholders continue to expand competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, increasing the number of matches elite players are required to play.
Saintfiet, who previously guided Gambia to a historic quarter-final appearance at the 2022 AFCON, questioned the logic of reducing Africa’s flagship tournament while expanding European competitions that, in his view, place even greater physical demands on players.
He further emphasised Africa’s importance to global football, noting that many of Europe’s top clubs rely heavily on African players.
For him, reducing AFCON’s frequency sends the wrong message and amounts to a lack of respect for the continent’s contribution to the sport.
Now in charge of Mali since his appointment in August last year, Saintfiet said he was deeply disappointed that financial considerations had, in his words, outweighed genuine affection and respect for African football.
He expressed hope that African football administrators would continue to defend the continent’s interests despite mounting external pressure.
The debate over AFCON’s future format is expected to continue as the tournament progresses and stakeholders assess the long-term implications of the proposed change.
