A major overhaul of Africa’s football calendar is poised to ignite a fierce battle for broadcasting rights. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to shift its premier tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to a four-year cycle starting in 2028, while introducing a new annual African Nations League. This strategic move, which aligns AFCON with European schedules, aims to shore up CAF’s finances by creating scarcity and increasing the value of its media packages. Analysts predict a lucrative scramble when current rights deals expire, likely attracting streaming giants such as Netflix. While the changes address long-standing pressure from European clubs, they have drawn criticism from coaches who see them as undermining African football’s identity.
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