Europe's big clubs who regularly criticize the staging of the Africa Cup of Nations will have to live with the current format.The continental competition is held every two years and is regularly criticized as European clubs are forced to let their players go in the middle of the season.
CAF President Issa Hayatou said that there was no possibility of staging the competition on a four-year cycle and but that plans to stage it on odd years was being examined.
Such a move would allow CAF to hold its showcase event on years that don't feature other major tournaments, like the World Cup or the European Championship.
"The decision is actually pending," Hayatou said in an Associated Press report.
"No decision has been taken yet. This requires a great reflection on the feasibility, particularly in terms of qualifying for major competitions."
Hayatou added that the tournament was an opportunity for all African countries to develop their infrastructures.
In Angola, where this year's Afcon is currently being played, new stadiums were built in Luanda and three other cities.
"We need sports infrastructure in our countries," Hayatou said. "Four stadiums were built in Ghana 2008, another four this year in Angola. These would not have happened without the Afcon. Afcon is a development tool not only in the football area."
The next Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2012.
Source: Kickoffghana
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