Africa-Press – Eritrea. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has strongly criticized the proposal to switch to a four-yearly Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the Pharaohs legend, this reform serves no purpose other than to satisfy European clubs and schedules at the expense of the identity of continental football.
“I am an Egyptian who is proud to be African, and I refuse to allow our competitions to be dictated by foreign interests,” he insisted, pointing out that the biennial frequency of the AFCON is essential for local development.
In his remarks, the Pharaoh’s coach said that this new decision does not serve African football: “Organizing the AFCON every four years does not serve African football at all. It is a decision designed exclusively for Europe, so as not to disrupt their championships. Why should we sacrifice our passion and our progress for their comfort? Africa is a major football continent that deserves respect and sovereign management. We must protect our tournament, because Africa deserves much better than just crumbs from the global calendar.”
As a reminder, at the opening of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the CAF announced that the tournament would now be held every four years starting in 2028.
