Proposed change in African Nations Cup dates

A change in dates for the African Nations Cup is being considered from every even year to every odd year, said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou.                                           

A change could come into effect in 2013 with the planned 2014 tournament brought forward 12 months, Hayatou told reporters in Luanda.                                           

He said he did not want the Nations Cup to be played in the same year as the World Cup or the European Championship but that the event would remain in January.                                           

The Nations Cup falls in the middle of the European club season and with most of the tournament's players based at clubs in that continent, it has been the subject of much criticism from coaches and managers.                                           

In a small concession to the clubs, CAF brought forward this year's tournament in Angola by two weeks.                                           

A CAF spokesman told Reuters a final decision was not likely until next month and only if Libya, who are scheduled to host the 2014 finals, agree to bring the tournament forward.                                           

The 2012 finals, to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, will not be affected.