On Wednesday ,the $100 million Super League was introduced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an effort to give the continent’s cash-strapped clubs some financial clout.
FIFA is backing the innovative competition, which was introduced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, despite FIFA having rejected a similar proposal in Europe for 2021.
The inaugural tournament will feature 24 clubs and begin in August 2023 and end in May 2024. Motsepe did not specify if the tournament will replace the Champions League and Confederation Cup, the second-tier competition run by CAF
“The African Super League is a crucial project. Finance is one of the main issues in Africa “said Motsepe during the inauguration event held in the town of Arusha in northern Tanzania.
The purpose of what we are attempting to accomplish is very clear: to ensure that African club football is of the highest caliber and can compete with the finest in the world, continued Motsepe. “The African Super League is one of the most exciting developments in the history of African football.
The club that wins the African Super League will receive $11.5 million thanks to the $100 million prize fund, which will be used annually, according to the executive.
According to Motsepe, CAF would use some of the $50 million from the Super League to make football more appealing, ensure that the greatest players stay in Africa, and raise the level of competition on the continent, which has lagged behind other continents in terms of quality.
Each of the 24 clubs participating in the first competition will receive an annual contribution of $3.5 million to help with player purchases, travel expenses, and player transfers.
Motsepe urged African leaders to support the building of CAF-approved stadiums so that every club may play its football in its home nation.
Not everyone is excited about the Super League with Cape Town City FC owner John Comitis calling it a “super silly idea”.
“The Super League will kill African club football,” he warned.
“You can switch off the lights on the domestic leagues.”
What do you think about this New Super League?
