Mali’s National Men’s Football Team head coach Tom Saintfiet has blasted Africa’s football governing body, CAF, over changes to the continent’s premier football competition, the Africa Cup of Nations-AFCON.
Ahead of the start of the 2025 AFCON, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced that the competition will be moved from a two year hosting cycle to a four year cycle and the introduction of the Nations League.
From the 2028 edition, the AFCON will be hosted after every four years in an attempt to synchronize the competition with other international competitions like the European Championship.
Mali drew 1-1 with Zambia in its opening game at the 2025 AFCON and ahead of the team’s clash against Morocco on Friday, December 26 at 20:00 GMT, Tom Saintfiet expressed his disappointment with CAF’s decision.
“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed. It’s 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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe Photo courtesy: CAF
“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.”
Mali’s forward #17 Lassine Sinayoko (R) fights for the ball with Zambia’s midfielder #17 Kings Kangwa (L) during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A football match between Mali and Zambia (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s 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” Saintfiet said to ESPN.
Zambia’s midfielder #06 Benson Sakala (L) fights for the ball with Mali’s forward #17 Lassine Sinayoko (R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A football match between Mali and Zambia (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
