CAF plans Super League return and new African Nations League system

African football is set for a major transformation with plans to revive the African Super League and introduce a new African Nations League, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has announced.

Speaking in Cairo after a CAF Executive Committee meeting, Motsepe outlined a vision aimed at reshaping both club and international football across the continent, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, commercial value and regular high-level fixtures.

“The African Club League will return starting next year, and we are looking for a good sponsor at the moment,” he said.

Super League revival

The African Super League, first held in 2023 and won by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, had been put on hold due to the absence of long-term sponsorship.

CAF is now working to relaunch the competition, with Motsepe confirming that securing financial backing remains a priority before its return.

The tournament was initially conceived as a flagship club competition designed to bring together Africa’s top teams and generate significant commercial revenue for the game.

Its revival is expected to boost the profile of African club football and provide additional financial incentives for participating teams.

African Nations League introduced

Alongside the Super League, CAF is planning to introduce an African Nations League for national teams — a competition that will run every two years and be structured along geographical lines.

“The African Nations League for national teams will be held every two years, based on a geographical division system,” Motsepe said.

He added that matches will be played during international windows, ensuring the availability of top players.

“The African Nations League will be played during international breaks, and all professionals will be present as normal.”

The competition is intended to provide more regular and meaningful fixtures for national teams outside of AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, while strengthening regional rivalries.

Strategic shift for African football

The dual introduction of the Super League and Nations League reflects CAF’s broader strategy to modernise its competitions and align them with global trends.

Similar league-based systems in Europe and other regions have been credited with improving competitiveness and commercial growth, and CAF hopes to replicate that success in Africa.

Looking ahead

While timelines and formats are yet to be finalised, the announcements signal a clear intent to expand the structure of African football.

For CAF, the challenge will be balancing ambition with sustainability, particularly in securing sponsorship and ensuring logistical feasibility across the continent.

If successfully implemented, the return of the Super League and the launch of the Nations League could mark a new chapter for African football — one defined by greater opportunity, increased visibility and stronger competition at both club and international level.