African football chiefs accused of not consulting fully over controversial Afcon change

Morocco celebrate after reaching Sunday’s Afcon final. From 2028 the tournament will be played every four years rather than every two years. Photograph: Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has been accused of pushing through its controversial decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) every four years without properly consulting member federations.

Several presidents of African football federations have told the Guardian they were not informed of the decision until it was surprisingly announced by the Caf president, Patrice Motsepe, on 20 December, prompting claims that the confederation breached its statutes by failing to seek approval at a general assembly.