{"id":456188,"date":"2025-12-27T16:34:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T16:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2025\/12\/27\/very-disappointed-mali-coach-saintfiet-blasts-caf-over-afcon-four-year-cycle\/"},"modified":"2025-12-27T16:34:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T16:34:55","slug":"very-disappointed-mali-coach-saintfiet-blasts-caf-over-afcon-four-year-cycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2025\/12\/27\/very-disappointed-mali-coach-saintfiet-blasts-caf-over-afcon-four-year-cycle\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Very Disappointed\u2019 – Mali coach Saintfiet blasts CAF over AFCON four-year cycle"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Tom Tom Saintfiet is the head coach of Mali<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Mali head coach, Tom Saintfiet has launched a fierce attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its decision to restructure the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar, warning that the move threatens the continent\u2019s football identity and long-standing traditions.<\/p>\n

CAF recently confirmed that AFCON will shift from its historic biennial format to a four-year cycle, beginning with the 2028 edition, alongside plans to introduce an African Nations League. <\/p>\n

The decision, according to CAF, is aimed at easing fixture congestion and aligning the tournament with major global competitions.<\/p>\n

Speaking in Rabat after Mali\u2019s 1\u20131 draw with Zambia and ahead of their Group A clash against hosts Morocco, Saintfiet made it clear he believes the change was imposed from outside Africa.<\/p>\n

Banc\u00e9, Mweene and the AFCON villains who broke Ghanaian hearts<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m shocked with it, very disappointed. It\u2019s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA and that makes me so sad,\u201d Saintfiet said.<\/p>\n

He further argued that AFCON\u2019s two-year rhythm is central to African football culture and insisted the decision was driven by European clubs and global football authorities prioritising financial interests.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa\u2019s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons. I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Despite CAF\u2019s defence of the reforms, Saintfiet insists he hopes \u201cthe love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udea8\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f| Mali coach Tom Saintfiet unhappy with AFCON change to four-year format:<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very shocked, very disappointed.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cAFCON is the pride of African football. To take it from 2-4yrs. It is all INSTRUCTED by big people in UEFA, the big clubs from Europe\u2019s top five leagues.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/lJLdBy71qS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

FKA\/JE<\/p>\n<\/div>\n