CAF studying proposal to increase Champions League places, says Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe says the governing body is reviewing proposals to increase the number of clubs competing in the CAF Champions League but stressed that no decision has yet been taken.

His comments come after growing debate over the competition’s format, following a request from the Egyptian Football Association to expand the number of participating clubs from certain member associations.

Proposal under review

The president of the Egyptian Football Association, Hani Abu Rida, recently asked CAF to increase Egypt’s allocation in the CAF Champions League from two clubs to three.

Under the current qualification system, league champions Zamalek and runners-up Pyramids have secured Egypt’s two Champions League places for the upcoming season.

Responding to questions during a press conference on Wednesday, Motsepe said CAF has begun examining the proposal through its established decision-making structures.

“When we receive any request, we study it with the higher and specialised authorities within CAF.”

No final decision yet

Motsepe explained that any change to the competition’s format would require approval from CAF’s relevant governing bodies after a detailed review.

“This decision has been considered, but this type of decision must be approved by higher authorities, who are studying this file.”

The CAF president gave no indication of when a final decision would be made, with the proposal remaining under consideration by the confederation’s competent committees.