Patrice Motsepe will not seek a third term as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The current leader confirmed his departure plans as the organization prepares for an upcoming transition in its executive leadership. His tenure is scheduled to conclude in 2029, marking the end of his second term at the helm of the continental body. Patrice Motsepe’s current term as CAF president ends in 2029. Patrice Motsepe has announced he does not intend to run for a third term. Officials within CAF are now initiating succession planning to identify candidates for the presidency following this announcement. Patrice Motsepe continues to serve in his current capacity until the expiration of his mandate in three years.
The process of identifying a successor is expected to be full, as the organization seeks to maintain stability during the transition period. The Confederation of African Football remains focused on its governance requirements as it looks toward the future of its leadership structure. This transition will be managed in accordance with the established statutes of the Confederation of African Football, ensuring that all procedural requirements for the election of a new president are met in due course.
Potential Candidates for Leadership
The Guardian reported that Samuel Eto'o, Ahmed Yahya, Yacine Idriss Diallo, and Souleiman Waberi are potential candidates for the CAF presidency. These individuals represent various national associations within the Confederation of African Football.
None of the four mentioned candidates have officially announced their candidacy for the CAF presidency. While their names appear in public reports as prospective contenders to succeed Patrice Motsepe, no formal bids have been submitted to the organization as of 15 October 2026. Official confirmation from these figures regarding their intent to run remains absent. The organization continues to operate under the current administration while these potential candidates maintain their roles within their respective national associations.
Proposed Changes to Tournament Schedule
Patrice Motsepe announced in Cape Verde on 9 October that the Confederation of African Football is evaluating a potential return to the biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournament schedule. Patrice Motsepe stated in Cape Verde on October 9 that CAF is considering returning to holding the Africa Cup of Nations every two years. This shift would mark a return to the two-year cycle for the continental competition.
The CAF Executive Committee plans to review the proposal regarding the tournament format during a meeting in Abidjan. The CAF Executive Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal to return to the biennial tournament format in Abidjan in November. This discussion is set for November. The committee will assess the implications of reinstating the previous schedule for the Africa Cup of Nations during these deliberations, weighing the logistical and sporting impacts of such a change on the member associations of the Confederation of African Football.