Afcon could move to December 2025 to avoid Club World Cup

Tournament may run at same time as festive fixturesCaf deny that Afcon could be played every four years

The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco could start in mid-December to accommodate the expanded Club World Cup and the new Champions League format next year, the Guardian understands. But the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has strongly denied claims that the competition may only take place every four years in future.

The 2025 tournament had originally been earmarked to take place in June and July next year in an attempt to reduce scheduling conflicts with European club teams and competitions. But Caf was forced to deny reports last week that it would be moved to January 2026 due to the clash with the Club World Cup – the 32-team competition that will be held in the United States between 15 June and 13 July next year.