The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly exploring the possibility of postponing the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following recent adjustments to the tournament calendar.
The football governing body is aiming to transition the competition onto a four-year cycle, with the first edition under the new system expected in 2028.
Sources at CAF headquarters in Cairo indicate concerns that no host nation is currently ready to stage the tournament in 2027 as planned. The event had been jointly awarded to Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Officials are now weighing a shift to 2028, with a final decision expected in the coming months after consultations with the three host countries and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, CAF has come down heavily on Algeria following their 0-2 defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the just-concluded AFCON, which Senegal eventually won.
The governing body cited “condescending actions” by Algerian players, officials, and fans as justification for the sanctions. Algeria has been hit with fines totalling $150,000 for a series of offences.
This includes $25,000 for the inappropriate conduct of players and officials, $5,000 for a general brawl, $50,000 for supporters’ offensive behaviour, $10,000 for attempted pitch invasion, $5,000 for the use of smoke, and another $50,000 for fans’ provocative display of banknotes, interpreted as an accusation of corruption against CAF.
On the disciplinary front, several players received suspensions. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was handed a two-match ban for a physical altercation with Super Eagles’ Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and will miss the start of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Right-back Rafik Belghali received a four-game ban, with two matches suspended, for threatening match officials.
Reacting to the sanctions, the Algerian Football Federation announced plans to appeal, describing the penalties as unfair.
CAF is also expected to review incidents involving Senegal during the AFCON final against Morocco on Sunday.
The West African side temporarily walked off the pitch for 17 minutes after a penalty was awarded against them, an act condemned by both CAF and FIFA.
Despite the interruption, Senegal returned to the match and lifted the trophy, but the incident has been widely criticised as damaging to the reputation of African football.
