CAF set to overhaul Inter-Club competitions
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is planning a significant overhaul of its inter-club competitions especially the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The continental football governing body has been exploring ways to reposition African football, particularly with the African Football League, which has only been held once since its inception.
According to report, CAF is considering a series of changes to modernize and improve the marketing and competitive structure of its club competitions.
The primary proposal involves scrapping the CAF Confederation Cup and modifying the Champions League format.
Key details from the proposal include: (i) Confederation Cup to be Scrapped. This move would allow CAF to focus on expanding the Champions League while maintaining the African Football League as a core competition.
(ii) Expansion of the Champions League: The Champions League could be expanded to include more teams from top-ranked member associations. Leading nations may see an increase of 3-4 additional clubs participating in the competition.
(iii) New Tournament Structure: The group stage of the Champions League might grow to 32 teams. Top clubs such as Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis, Simba SC, and RS Berkane would potentially bypass the preliminary rounds.
(iv) Increased Match Calendar With more teams and matches, the tournament structure will change significantly. CAF expects this expansion to boost the competition’s commercial and financial value.
(v) African Football League Restructuring : Discussions are ongoing regarding the format of the African Football League. The league could adopt a group-stage format or be played as a knockout competition with home-and-away fixtures to maximize revenue.
Timeline for Implementation : These proposed changes are set to be discussed in detail after the conclusion of the current season.
If approved, the new format is expected to take effect from the 2026/2027 season. CAF remains committed to enhancing the competitiveness and financial appeal of African club football while aligning with global football trends.
