CAF President Patrice Motsepe has unveiled the African Nations League, a new elite club competition to bolster African football. The tournament will feature clubs from across the continent and is scheduled to begin in September. Motsepe shared the news during a briefing in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), announced the creation of the African Nations League during a media briefing in Rabat, Morocco. This initiative aims to strengthen African football by providing a platform for elite clubs from various countries on the continent.
The competition is designed to start in September and will help attract African players who are currently playing abroad. By doing so, it seeks to retain top talent within Africa and encourage their return to local leagues. Motsepe emphasized the importance of such measures to elevate the standard of football in the region.
In related developments, Motsepe revealed changes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule. After the 2027 edition, the tournament will return to a four-year cycle, with the next one set for 2029. Additionally, the prize money for AFCON winners will rise to $10 million, an increase from the previous $7 million, providing a significant financial boost to participating teams.
These announcements come at a time when African football is seeing positive momentum, including recent reports of CAF achieving profitability after years of deficits. The new league and enhanced incentives are expected to foster greater investment and competitiveness across the sport.
