Ahmad open to change in African Nations Cup dates

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) President, Ahmad Ahmad has revealed that he is open to the idea of changing the dates of the African Cup of Nations, which currently runs from January to February.

The Madagascar FA leader ousted long-serving former president Issa Hayatou last month and promised a thorough study of everything undertaken under the Camerounian.

European clubs have complained for many years about the Nations Cup dates, plus its two-year staging due to the impact it has on the domestic club calendar.

Those complaints often fell on deaf ears, however, Ahmad opened up the possibility that the dates could be subject to change, with some close to him saying it may actually benefit sponsors and broadcasters by switching to the northern hemisphere summer.

Ahmad told local media: “I am not wholly against the idea of a change. But my gestures will be to listen to people and open the debate in an official way. Anything related to the Nations Cup is a priority for us.”