CAF resolves to expand AFCON to 24 teams from 2019

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has adopted a resolution to expand African Cup of Nations from 16 to 24 teams, with the new format set to be effected during the 2019 edition.

During a two-day football symposium held in Morocco’s capital Rabat, CAF Executive Committee passed the resolution meaning the format of the ongoing qualifiers for 2019 will be restructured to allow more teams.

The contentious decision has attracted mixed reactions from the football fraternity as those supporting it say it will pave way for innovative ways to make the competition more attractive.

Morocco is reported to have committed to hosting the 2019 event should Cameroon fail to cope with the burden of the expanded tournament.

The central African country that will be defending the title it won in January has recently been under pressure with critics doubting its preparedness.