CAF delivers Fifa-approved Super League
AFRICA has succeeded where mighty Europe has failed, after the $100-million Super League was launched on Wednesday in the Tanzanian city of Arusha, in the shadow of the continent’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The birth of the cash-flush Super League will see the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scale the heights of modern football history. For the first time, a CAF competition will match some of the most lucrative inter-club competitions in Fifa’s other continental confederations.
The major difference between the Super League concept of Africa and Europe is that one was launched within the CAF and Fifa structures. The other was launched by a renegade group, and outside the structures of the continent’s governing body, Uefa, and Fifa.
Since he was appointed president, Patrice Motsepe has brought financial stability and growth to CAF, which now boasts a lucrative Super League alongside the blue-ribband Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions. The latter two tournaments have also enjoyed great television exposure during Motsepe’s reign.
“The Africa Super League is one of the most exciting developments in the history of African football,” said Motsepe. “The objective, in terms of what we are trying to achieve, is very clear.
“No 1 is to make sure African club football is world class, and competes with the best in the world. This is about the future of African football, and Africa taking charge of its future. To do this, we need money.
“Football is about finance. It is about having a product and the commercial backing for it.
“The success of club football is based on commercial viability. The Africa Super League for us is the most important intervention in the development and advancement of football in Africa.”
Fifa President Gianni Infantino was present at the launch, and gave the new tournament the thumbs up.
“There is a huge will to invest in a project like this, and it will give a new visibility to African football,” said Infantino.
“The growth of African club and national team football contributes to the growth of world football. The competition will benefit every country, not just with the solidarity payment, but the exposure for African football,” he said.
“The Africa Super League is a completely different proposition than what was proposed in Europe, which was a kind of a breakaway thing and outside of the structures.
“This (Super League) is done within the structure of CAF, within Fifa, and within the football pyramid structure.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ Marketing and Commercial Director Jessica Motaung, who was recently appointed to the CAF’S Organising Committee for Women Football Standing Committee, said clubs will be pleased to have access to another revenue stream.
“This is a great idea to have another tournament where teams can play and also make money,” said Motaung.
There can be a maximum of three teams from each affiliate in the tournament.
Given the clubs’ financial standing and history, Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are likely to crack the nod for the 24-team event, which is due to start in August 2023.