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Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has voiced support for plans to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years rather than every two, arguing the shift could help strengthen football development across the continent if implemented alongside wider structural reforms.
Speaking to AFP, Fae said the change could be positive, provided African football authorities also invest properly in growth and competition.
The AFCON has traditionally been held biennially since its inaugural edition in 1957. Still, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe announced a major overhaul on the eve of the current tournament in Morocco.
Under the new plan, the Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle after the 2027 and 2028 editions. The decision has sparked criticism in parts of Africa, with opponents claiming CAF has bowed to pressure from European clubs and FIFA, who have long raised concerns about fixture congestion.
Motsepe has defended the move by proposing the creation of an annual African Nations League, similar to UEFA’s competition, which he says would generate increased revenue for national federations while maintaining regular high-level international football.
Fae believes the continent is better placed than ever to adapt to such a change, pointing to improvements in infrastructure, organisation and player quality.
He noted that many African internationals now play for top European clubs, raising the overall standard of the game.
The former international added that a four-year AFCON cycle would still ensure major tournaments every two years when combined with the World Cup, but stressed the importance of introducing another elite African competition.
He suggested that a Nations League could provide regular high-profile fixtures between leading teams such as Morocco and Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Tunisia, or Algeria and Mali.
According to Fae, this structure would not disadvantage smaller nations. He argued that heavy defeats against stronger sides do little to improve development, and that playing against similarly ranked opponents with promotion at stake could prove more beneficial for long-term progress.
Meanwhile, Fae acknowledged that defending Ivory Coast’s AFCON title at the ongoing tournament in Morocco will be a formidable challenge.
The Elephants have already secured qualification for the last 16 ahead of their final group match against Gabon on Wednesday.
He said there are at least eight or nine teams with the quality to lift the trophy, adding that his side now face added pressure as reigning champions.
Despite that, Fae insisted his players remain highly motivated, confident, and determined to make another deep run in the competition.
