The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has announced that the much-anticipated new African Football League will kick off on October 20. Speaking at the General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abidjan, Infantino confirmed the start date for the competition, which had been scaled down from the original proposal of 24 clubs due to CAF’s financial losses. The eight-club league is set to be followed by a larger version in the future.
Infantino emphasized the need to invest in both African club football and national team football, stating that it is the collective responsibility and task of everyone involved to succeed. However, with just over three months to go until the start of the competition, CAF is yet to officially announce the participating clubs. Unofficial reports suggest that the lineup may include South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are owned by the family of CAF president Patrice Motsepe, as well as Petro Atletico from Angola. The other clubs rumored to be involved are TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Al Ahly from Egypt, Horoya from Guinea, Wydad Casablanca from Morocco, Simba from Tanzania, and Esperance from Tunisia.
While details regarding broadcasters, sponsors, and logistics remain undisclosed, the creation of the new league is seen as crucial in improving the appeal of African football worldwide. Motsepe, in his address to the delegates, stressed the importance of enhancing the commercial viability of African football and its capacity to sustain itself. The league aims to improve the product of African football and make it more attractive to a global audience.
CAF also confirmed a loss for the previous financial year, despite a 17 percent increase in revenues. The deficit was expected due to CAF’s settlement with commercial agency Lagardere last year, following the cancellation of a billion-dollar television and marketing rights deal. CAF stated that it had to make difficult decisions to resolve long-standing disputes with some partners and that these provisions were fully accounted for in the financials.
As the new African Football League prepares for its October kickoff, football fans across the continent await the official confirmation of the participating clubs and further details about the competition. The league’s success will not only contribute to the development of African football, but it will also have implications for the sport’s global appeal. The eyes of the footballing world will be on Africa as this new era begins.
