The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly postponed plans to expand the CAF Champions League, a move that would have increased participation from top-ranked football nations, including South Africa.
Discussions had been ongoing about widening the competition to allow more clubs from leading associations such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The proposed reform was aimed at boosting competitiveness and enhancing the commercial appeal of Africa’s premier club tournament.
However, according to Moroccan outlet Le360, CAF has now delayed the implementation of the proposal, even though it is said to enjoy broad support in principle within the organisation.
The key obstacle appears to be scheduling. The continental body is said to be concerned about fixture congestion, with domestic leagues and continental competitions already tightly packed.
The situation is further complicated by the overlap with the start of the new season and the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Under the initial proposal, the top-ranked associations would have been granted three or even four slots in the Champions League.
For South Africa, that would have meant the third-placed team in the Betway Premiership potentially securing qualification for the following season’s tournament.
For now, however, clubs will have to wait longer before any changes to the competition format are confirmed.
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