Egyptian club Al Ahly was visited by a delegation group representing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA on Thursday to discuss Ahly’s future participation in the first edition of the African Super League. The new African continental club competition is CAF’s great hope to generate further interest and profits in African football with 24 of the continent’s top clubs set to take part when the Super League begins play in August 2023. As Africa’s most successful club with 24 continental titles, gaining Al Ahly’s approval for the format and prize money in the African Super League is a priority for CAF.
Some information was revealed at the meeting regarding the prize money with each of the 24 teams set to earn $2.5 million covering the finances involved from travel and participation. CAF president Patrice Motsepe indicated that the champions will receive $11.5 million, a massive upgrade compared to the $2.5 million figure that CAF Champions League winners have received since 2017. Africa’s top clubs have been vocal about the large travel and participation costs in the current CAFCL format that make it difficult to financially profit from Africa’s top club competition.
CAF did not reveal too many more details but promised an announcement that will detail which teams are taking part as well as the competition format. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a well known close ally of Motsepe, has given FIFA’s stamp of approval for the tournament as well as the international footballing body’s support to grow African football.
