Egypt Boss Fires At FIFA: ‘Respect The African Continent’

Hossam Hassan. Photo: Gallo Images/Ulrik Pedersen

The decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations away from its traditional two-year cycle has continued to divide opinion, with Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan speaking out strongly against the change.

Earlier this week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the AFCON will be staged every four years going forward, with the 2027 tournament in East Africa set to be the final edition under the biennial format. 

CAF president Patrice Motsepe defended the move by insisting it would serve the long-term interests of African football and better align the continent with the global football calendar.

However, not everyone is convinced.

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Speaking after the Pharaohs’ goalless draw against Angola in their final group stage match at AFCON 2025, the tactician questioned whether the new format truly benefits African players and the continent as a whole.

“I don’t think this decision is in the best interest of African football,” the manager said per Yalla Kora. 

“I believe the African player is not satisfied with this decision. 

“This choice has been made mainly because of African players who are professionals in Europe.”

The Egypt coach went further, calling on world football’s governing body to treat Africa with fairness and dignity.

“Just as FIFA raises the slogan of respect, it must respect the African continent, the players, their families, and their religious occasions,” he added. 

“It is impossible for the opposite to happen. Can you change the system of the European Championship? Of course not, even though we are all under the umbrella of FIFA.”

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While Hassan has taken a firm stance against the move, not all African stars share his view.

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, who plies his trade in Europe, has publicly welcomed the shift to a four-year cycle. 

The 27-year-old believes the change will enhance the tournament’s prestige and how African football is perceived globally.

“I think the AFCON every four years is very good, because there will be more hype and more desire to come and play,” Hakimi said previously. 

“Journalists and supporters will be more behind the AFCON. Every two years, we see the same faces and it gives less merit to the champion. All teams, and even football in general, will respect African football more.”

With strong opinions emerging from both sides, the debate around the tournament’s future format looks set to continue, raising broader questions about player welfare, global respect, and Africa’s place in world football.

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