CAF Cancels CHAN Tournament Following Introduction of African Nations League

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by South African Patrice Motsepe, has announced significant changes to the system of continental competitions for national teams. These changes are spearheaded by the abolition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the introduction of a new national team tournament to be held every two years.

This decision comes as part of a comprehensive review of the continental calendar, aiming to align with the FIFA international match calendar. The objective is to alleviate pressure on national teams and players, and to enhance the quality of continental competitions.

According to information released by CAF, the new tournament will be integrated into the international match calendar, allowing for broader player participation. Furthermore, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals will now be held once every four years, starting with the 2028 edition.

This shift represents a departure from the system in place for many years, under which both the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship were organized biennially. The CHAN tournament, first launched in 2009, served as a dedicated platform for players active in their respective domestic leagues within the continent.

This decision is expected to spark widespread debate within African football circles, given its direct implications for domestic competitions, the scheduling of continental tournaments, and its impact on the development trajectory of football across the continent.

Observers are awaiting further details from CAF in the coming period, particularly concerning the format, structure, and number of participating teams in the new tournament.