CAF Scraps CHAN Tournament in Favor of New African Nations League

 

Th Confederation of African Football (CAF)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the dissolution of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking the end of the biennial tournament reserved exclusively for domestic-based players.

​CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision on Saturday, stating that the move is part of a broader strategic overhaul designed to enhance the quality and commercial viability of continental football.

​The decision to retire the CHAN stems from a desire to prioritize high-impact competitions and address long-standing financial concerns. Motsepe was candid about the tournament's economic challenges, noting that the event had become a significant financial drain on the organization.

​"The CHAN is a spectacle that makes us lose money," Motsepe explained. He emphasized that with the introduction of a new annual format, the previous structure had become redundant. Moving forward, CAF intends to focus its resources on its flagship event, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and a newly conceived replacement.

​To fill the void left by the CHAN, CAF will launch the African Nations League. This new competition is designed to be more inclusive and integrate seamlessly into the global football calendar. Key features of the upcoming league include:

  • ​Universal Participation: All 54 member associations will be eligible to compete.
  • ​Zonal Structure: Initial rounds will consist of zonal tournaments played during official FIFA international windows.
  • ​Final Phase: Winners from each zone will advance to a high-stakes final tournament to determine the continental champion.

​This restructuring represents a significant pivot in how African national team football is organized, aiming to provide more consistent competitive play for all nations while ensuring the financial sustainability of the confederation.

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