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The introduction of the African Football League

A new football league made its introduction in October 2023. The African Football League was announced in 2019 by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and has now been kicked off. The African Football League is created by the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.

The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, is in favor of new competitions as he tried to set up the European Super League. The European Super League would include only top teams from the top European football competitions. This was held back by multiple federations and teams because of the criticism. Initially, the African Football League was supposed to be called the African Super League as well.

The African Super League was initially meant to be played with 24 teams from 16 countries, divided in 3 regional groups of 8 teams. In total, 197 matches would be played overall and was due to launch in August 2023 and end in May 2024. But earlier this year, the competition was renamed to African Football League and in July 2023, Gianni Infantino announced that the competition would be played between October and November 2023 with a different format.

The format

Now, only 8 teams take part in a knock-out competition format. All games will be played across two legs, with the away goals rule in effect. From next season, the aim is to fully launch the competition with 24 teams.

This year’s prize money is reduced a lot as well. Initially, with 24 teams, the total prize pot was 100 million dollars, with the winners set to receive 11.6 million dollars. This year, will ‘only’ receive 4 million dollars.

The opening game at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania was sold out for 60,000 fans to watch Simba SC (Tanzania) draw 2-2 against African Champions League holders Al Ahly (Egypt). The two main sponsors of the African Football League are Visit Saudi and Visit Rwanda, who will appear on all clubs’ shirts apart from TP Mazembe, due to geopolitical issues.

Broadcasters

The games of the African Football League will be broadcasted on beIN Sports in 24 countries across the Middle East and North America. Some games will also be available free to watch on YouTube with English and French commentary. Of course, the games are also broadcasted on FIFA+.

Source: The Athletic