{
  "id": 15516004,
  "title": "Renard agrees with Chelle on AFCON two-year cycle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/renard-agrees-with-chelle-on-afcon-two-year-cycle-15516004",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T23:44:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/renard-agrees-with-chelle-on-afcon-two-year-cycle/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ivory Coast's Hervé Renard supports Super Eagles' Eric Chelle in advocating for the Africa Cup of Nations to revert to a biennial schedule. The debate arose after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opted for a four-year cycle starting in 2028, sparking criticism from federations and fans, who worry the interval would weaken the tournament's standing. CAF president Patrice Motsepe hinted at the possibility of revisiting the decision, and a proposal to reinstate the two-year format is expected during CAF's upcoming Ordinary General Assembly on November 21 in Abuja. Renard stated, \"I think returning to holding the Africa Cup of Nations every two years is excellent, and that the tournament should continue as it was in the past,\" while Chelle added, \"For me, it’s perfect because when you want to improve, having one tournament every four years is difficult. So, having a tournament every two years now is perfect.\" Chelle also emphasized the benefits of regular high-level competition, including preparing African teams for the FIFA World Cup and generating economic advantages for host countries through tourism, business, and revenue generation.",
  "summary": "Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard and Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle have called for the Africa Cup of Nations to return to a two-year cycle, opposing a four-year Read More: https://punchng.com/renard-agrees-with-chelle-on-afcon-two-year-cycle/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Renard agrees with Chelle on AFCON two-year cycle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/renard-agrees-with-chelle-on-afcon-two-year-cycle",
        "published": "2026-10-18T23:22:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}