Mali manager Tom Saintfiet criticises European clubs and FIFA on AFCON schedule alterations

Mali manager Tom Saintfiet expressed strong disapproval on Thursday regarding the choice to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years rather than biennially. He argued that this adjustment was imposed on Africa by FIFA and European clubs driven primarily by financial interests.

I am deeply surprised and upset about this. It represents the pinnacle of African football featuring its top talents the Belgian remarked to journalists in Rabat before Malis AFCON encounter with Morocco on Friday.

Removing this event and shifting it to every four years might make sense if it stemmed from African initiatives for valid reasons. However it appears to be dictated by influential figures from UEFA major European clubs and FIFA which is truly disheartening.

The 52 year old Saintfiet has coached various African squads including Gambia whom he guided to the 2022 Cup of Nations quarter finals.

He took charge of Mali last August and will now direct them in a crucial Group A match against the tournament hosts at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.

Since its debut in 1957 the Cup of Nations has typically occurred every two years. Yet Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe revealed last weekend that starting after the planned 2028 edition it will switch to a quadrennial format.

We have strived for decades to earn respect only to heed Europes advice and alter our legacy which spans 68 years. This change caters to clubs financial demands that cite player workload as justification even as they expand the World Cup to 48 teams and evolve the Champions League without true champions Saintfiet stated.

In England avoiding relegation nearly guarantees European qualification It feels absurd he added light heartedly.

To genuinely safeguard players the Champions League should feature only actual champions rather than proliferating more fixtures and increasing burdens. That way the AFCON could remain every two years.

Africa stands as the worlds largest footballing continent with many of Europes premier stars hailing from there. Thus moving to every four years shows a lack of respect.

I feel profound sadness over this. I had hoped Africas passion would prevail against Europes influence.