Mali's head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has shown deep disappointment with the CAF decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations from happening every two years to every four years. This decision was announced by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe before the 2025 tournament and also includes plans for a new Nations League.
Image/Tom Saintfiet
Before Mali's group match against Morocco, Saintfiet said the change was driven by European football interests and global authorities. He called the decision sad and worrying, saying that African football is being forced to change its long-standing traditions to fit European preferences instead of preserving its own identity.
Saintfiet also warned that altering a 68-year-old tradition for financial reasons weakens Africa's football history. On the field, Mali started their AFCON campaign with a 1-1 draw against Zambia and hope to do better in the group stage despite the controversy off the field.