‘Absolute Nonsense’: CAF Boss Patrice Motsepe Hits Back at Claims of Copying Europe and ‘FIFA Colonisation’

AF president Patrice Motsepe has strongly defended the decision to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four‑year cycle and to introduce an Africa Nations League, dismissing suggestions that the confederation is simply copying Europe or being influenced by external powers.

Motsepe pushed back firmly against claims that African football is being dictated by FIFA or European bodies following recent changes announced by CAF.

Just before the kickoff of AFCON 2025 last month, he confirmed that—after the 2027 and 2028 editions—the tournament will move to a quadrennial schedule, aligning it with competitions such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

CAF also unveiled an Africa Nations League, modelled loosely on the UEFA Nations League, which will be contested in between AFCON cycles.

However, these decisions have sparked criticism across the continent. Many fans and stakeholders argue that holding AFCON every two years allowed more countries the opportunity to host the event, boosting infrastructure development. Others suggested CAF was pressured into the changes by European football authorities and FIFA.

During his pre‑AFCON 2025 final press conference on Saturday, Motsepe grew visibly frustrated when questioned about these claims.

“Where you are talking absolute nonsense is to say we run Africa for Europe,” an irritated Motsepe responded. “Absolute rubbish. You are insulting us. We run Africa for Africa.”

Motsepe stressed that CAF had consulted widely and that all 54 member associations endorsed the new direction.

“Whether you object is irrelevant. When you have 54 nations saying the Africa Nations League is world‑class, that is what matters. This is about the growth of African football.”

First elected in March 2021 and re‑elected in March 2025, Motsepe highlighted the financial progress CAF has made under his leadership. He pointed to increased funding for member associations as proof of sustainable improvements.

“When I became president, members were receiving $150,000. We increased it to $200,000. Now we have increased it to $400,000. Some decisions may seem unpopular, but what matters is how they benefit African football. Every one of our 54 presidents said this is the best thing that has happened.”

AFCON 2025 will be followed by the 2027 tournament hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, then the 2028 edition, before the tournament shifts permanently to a four‑year cycle.