The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will take place over June and July and has been expanded to 24 teams, the Confederation of African Football has anounced.
The news comes as a huge boost to European clubs, who are used tolosing key players during January and February.
But the expansion may be unwelcome news to 2019 host nation Cameroon, who now have to accommodate an additional eight teams.
Cameroon’s sports minister has already been forced to deny his country’s preparations are behind schedule.
“Despite security concerns, social and economic crises, the government and President Paul Biya are totally engaged to do everything for the Nations Cup to go ahead,” said Ismael Bidoung earlier this week.
A CAF inspection team will head to Cameroon in September to check on progress for the tournament.The 2018 edition of the tournament — hosted by Kenya — will stillbe played in January and February, however. It will include 16 teams.
