Mali's national team coach, Tom Saintfiet, has launched a scathing attack on football's governing bodies, blaming FIFA and elite European clubs for the controversial decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle.
Coach's Fierce Criticism in Rabat Press Conference
The Belgian tactician expressed his shock and disappointment during a press conference in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, December 25, 2025. He was speaking ahead of Mali's crucial Group A match against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.
Saintfiet, 52, who has managed several African sides including The Gambia, insisted the move was not an African request but an instruction from external forces. "I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa," Saintfiet told reporters, "but it is all instructed by the big people from UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA, and that makes it so sad."
A Decision Against African Football History
The coach highlighted the rich 68-year history of the tournament, which has been held every two years since its inception in 1957. Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, confirmed the shift to a four-year schedule last weekend, starting after a planned 2028 edition.
Saintfiet dismissed the argument of player workload, pointing to what he sees as hypocrisy from European football authorities. "We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history," he stated. He criticized the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams and the UEFA Champions League format, suggesting these create more strain, not less.
Call for Respect for Africa's Football Power
The Mali coach, appointed in August last year, emphasized Africa's central role in world football. "Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans," Saintfiet argued. "So I think we disrespect Africa by going to every four years."
He concluded with a poignant remark about the motivation behind the change. "I am very sad about that – I hoped that the love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe," Saintfiet said, framing the decision as a victory for financial interests over sporting passion and continental pride.
