CAF Inter-Club competitions expansion backed by African Club Association

The African Club Association (ACA) supports the Egyptian Football Association’s proposal to expand the Confederation of African Football’s Inter-Club competitions.

ACA board member Salomo Hei said CAF is conducting a feasibility study into the plan and that the organisation, which represents clubs across the continent, is prepared to contribute to the process.

Speaking to SABC Sport during an ACA workshop with the Botswana Football Association and Botswana Football League, Hei said any expansion would need to be supported by detailed technical and economic analysis.

“Absolutely, I mean remember that there must also be technical submissions regarding the viability of the economics that need to be undertaken, and ACA is ready to engage in the debate at that level,” he said.

The ACA intends to develop proposals examining the practical details of expanding the existing competition structures.

“It is able to put together proposals and submissions that will address the details in that context because, at the end of the day, we should be able to make a compelling case for why there should be consideration for the expansion of the current structures, and as part of the ongoing work, this is what the ACA will be engaged with going forward,” Hei added.

The organisation believes both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup should now be reviewed. It also supports the use of pilot projects to assess possible changes before any wider implementation.

Hei used the issue to reinforce the ACA’s call for clubs to become members and take part in the association’s work.

CAF recently increased its financial support to the ACA from $ 400,000 to $ 500,000. The additional funding is intended to help the organisation continue its efforts to develop the club football structure across Africa.

The ACA’s latest consultation took place in Botswana over the past weekend, as it continues discussions with national associations, leagues and clubs about the future of the continental competitions.

Any increase in representation would have support beyond the major leagues. Some of the continent’s smaller clubs also favour expansion, arguing that it could create opportunities for emerging teams rather than benefiting only sides from the biggest domestic competitions.

One possible change would be to reduce the length of the preliminary qualification phase and admit more teams directly into the group stages.

African Stars FC head coach Gerald Guther is among those backing the proposal to increase the number of participating clubs. The ACA says broader access could help improve exposure and participation across the continent, including for clubs that currently have fewer opportunities to compete at the highest level.