How African Football is Changing Forever

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African Football League is finally underway. A FIFA-backed initiative; it’s a pan-African competition that matches teams from multiple nations; and is a new direct competitor to the existing CAF Champions League.
Whilst the new competition is set to bring a larger audience and more revenue, its conception has been far from straightforward.
Jay Harris and Carl Anka explain why. Craig Silcock illustrates.
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#championsleague #CAF #football

[@amorphous7474]

FIFA rejects the European Super League but instead introduces an African Super League. Sounds like FIFA.

[@LongHaulGamingHD1]

"that idea's great, now it's mine to make money with!"

[@OnnumMuttaiyum]

Atleast it's the underdog teams that receive very less media marketing

[@TheKokonutMonkey]

Only problem FIFA had with the Super League is that they didn't own it.

[@Kimera794]

The difference in contexts between European football and African football suggests the African Super League can be a good thing for African football, if structured right. Though I, amongst many fans, am unsure whether they'll ever look to structure it right...

[@sanderdeschrijver23]

Infantino is trying to get the support of the African countries, so when there is a new election, he knows he is backed by a lot more countries. Just making sure he has their votes.

[@victorvelasquez1482]

As soon as i saw Infantino involved I knew there was going to be something slimy about this

[@boniledokolwana2570]

Its actually not as bad as you make it to be

[@presidentmphuthi2157]

As an African, I wish to extend my condemnation of this tournament. Even locally, the PSL (South Africa’s top tier league) is rejecting the idea of moving around fixtures to accommodate the country’s one AFL participant. We don’t want this. At all.

[@ricaard6959]

I literally found out about it cause I saw Sundowns weren't playing and the match was postponed. Instead of funding the CAF CL and creating ease of access for fans they create a closed league for the best clubs, idiots.

[@leo-messi61]

Mono mono

[@moh10mi]

You’re ignoring the all the good that can come from having an AFL. $1 million dollars to all 56 caf members annually to improve football is massive.

[@danpreston564]

@@moh10mismall change into the back pockets of corrupt officials. Same as always.

[@imgrori5435]

I think it would be better if we had 3 teams or 4. We need the same system at the UCL which gives specific leagues more teams in the competition.

[@njabulombuyazi5132]

Improving the Champions league would have made better sense. The two leg final needs to be scrapped. The standard of refereeing must improve and funding must increase. The financial insentive to take the CAF CL is not up to par. There has been progress though, especially with the Confederations cup. There is nothing wrong with copying a model that works. Another problem is the different footballing calenders different African countries use. We need uniformity.

[@ericojatum6946]

Not really. Two legged finals are the best for Africa. How many Tanzanians can afford to travel to Morocco for a match.

[@tsepopheko]

One legged final will not be viable in African context. Travelling around Africa will be expensive for the fans unless you want to watch the final played in an empty stadium. Again there is no unified visa in Africa. A two legged final is a much better alternative because it gives the fans of the finalists a chance to support thier teams by converging in the stadium.

[@somethingcleverhere]

Ah, but FIFA wants more money and glory (and control), so nope.

[@nyantakyibannor9328]

Two legged finals are the only way of ensuring capacity crowds in the final; imagine if two North African clubs were playing the one legged final of CAF Champions league in Joburg; half the stadium could be empty. travelling around Africa is still largely expensive and inconvenient although it's better than years past. this isn't Europe with visa free Schengen rules were one can move from Madrid to Berlin by rail if one so wishes.

[@gabrielsantanadasilva3334]

one legged finals have been a disaster here in south america, even some big and traditional clubs have difficulties filling stadiums in far away countries

[@EMETRL]

the name change to AFL is completely baffling and downright idiotic. If you google AFL, you get the aussie football league and then the american football league, which hasn't existed for 60 years since it was absorbed by the NFL in 1966. No marketing people would ever think this is a good idea.

[@Aeolus_ca]

Googles algorithm shows results that are most popular at the top. This is a new league so naturally there won’t be many results for the league yet on google

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Give it a few months

[@caesar_19]

​@@jeremybean-hodges6397I'm not australian and even I associate AFL with Australian Rules Football, and I doubt a few months is gonna change that

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@caesar_19 I am an AFL diehard… and I just don’t think that Australia can match a whole continent for search engine optimisation. We can but dream :)

[@limbeboy7]

You're assuming Google doesn't already know what region you're searching from as well as alot of things about you: example I'm in America but mostly watch European football, then mls, then nfl. When I go to search it already has the right results....

[@zahreel3103]

Tifo with yet another informative video. You don't hear this stuff on mainstream media. My compliments.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Amazon Fire Black Face

[@splashbenine]

​@@NazriBwhat does this even mean

[@AquarianAngel]

​@@NazriB🤡

[@hectormontoya8057]

You guys have the video in english or spanish?

[@KnowAfrica98]

The level of football played at AFL damn, i am proud to be an African. This competition was a need.

[@nathanjm000]

Such a strange idea because it appears teams will play in both the AFL and CAF CL even with fixture congestion

[@power279]

Money first..tired later😂

[@thacrypt223]

This is why I love this channel. You give us information no one else is willing to talk about.

[@DavyK17]

Always nice to see Tifo make a video about African football as a longtime fan from the motherland

[@princem5155]

I’m impressed by how well you pronounced Motsepe’s name. It’s the small things that matter 😊

[@isaacmashila1002]

Did you hear the pronunciation of Tlhopie Motsepe though 😂😂😂💔

[@onthatileasermakgate9387]

Pronounced what well😂

[@e-ben616]

I'm happy to see my township football club Enyimba mentioned we've come a really long way. Football in Africa is a sad story. Football runs in our blood. The amount of talent we have is bountiful but we lack proper resources and infrastructure to develop this. A perfect example is my family. We have so many players but only one professional footballer that's only because he was born in Europe. My sister on the other hand is a born athlete and while she wanted to play she ended up being a surgeon cos of the above mentioned reasons.

[@avtar1699]

Tbh she's making a far better contribution to society.

[@johnwhalley8270]

​@@avtar1699yeah, I wouldn't be upset if my sister avoided becoming a footballer in order to become a surgeon

[@amrelarcher8990]

your sister probably is better of, women’s football is still developing and the average wage might still be lower than a surgeon

[@hencohendriksen6908]

As soon as Infatino is involved, you know it's just for the money.

[@petertrickaz]

Obvious as it may be, it's worth pointing out that if Infantino and FIFA are involved, then the whole idea is to benefit THEM, not Africa

[@sibonisoduma5878]

Watching this video as a South African is very informative.

[@tsakass]

Tifo, in South Africa this tournament is going to cause such a gap between Sundowns(Which won the AFL) and the other teams in their league. I am a Sundowns supportor and was in the stadium for their final on Sunday and what I can say is that South African football is doomed because this tournament just made the best team in my country so rich and they already have their league in a choke hold. Their squad is mostly international players and they can buy any player in the league when they want to because they will obvioulsy be influenced by the money offered by them. I just wish the AFL can find a way to uplift other teams which are not the best because if they do not do this in SA, no team will win the league for the next 10 years im sure

[@CoKane_Cowboy]

We are doomed my guy 😢

[@chijiokemadubuko9004]

Smartest comment here. I was waiting for this.

[@Model_Roe]

I love the African football teams I'm always rooting for them the motherland has so much talent

[@tsandi9927]

Heading to 2nd leg of the AFL final this Sunday. Looking forward to seeing the boys from Mamelodi in action.

[@nathanngumi8467]

Very insightful, thanks! This initiative looks promising!

[@Yamikani]

I have always wanted to see Malawian clubs on a bigger stage in football and grow but I doubt this will help in anyway possible

[@isaac_opeyemi]

Conflicts of interests GALORE!!!!

[@ianmalherbe1618]

Thank you for shining a light on this.

[@ianconic]

I think Juventus just opened an academy in Niger or Ghana. Can't remember which country it is but it's in western Africa.

[@o_s_byron2319]

Ghana. But it's quite expensive for the average ghanaian.

[@czedaa]

zimbabwe as well

[@lukevacca1537]

I'm honestly impressed with how incompentant Infantino is. Like Blatter was corrupt, but at least somewhat tried to hide it. Infantino is happy being a massive hypocrite and attempting to implement ideas that do absolutely nothing for the game in the broader scheme.

[@randomriku6774]

I wouldnt call it incompentent. He is very competent getting what his sponsors want

[@user-ve2in6jf9q]

He is actually the most competent fifa president ever 😅

[@benedicteki]

As an African I feel proud you made such content

[@paradoxgames1808]

I wish they could cover African football more

[@benedicteki]

@@paradoxgames1808it's in stages

[@wotintarnation8388]

While you're at it, maybe you can talk about the AFC's changes to their club competitions starting with next season (Especially with how the Champions League Elite looks almost like the original concept for The Super League)

[@depp8714]

Well. It actually looks like a smaller version of what the new UEFA Champions League will be (which is UEFA version of Superleague). Only difference is there will be geographic zones that split the league in 2 groups to keep the AFC traditional system. Oh and main difference with the original plans for Superleague is the fact that in Champions League teams QUALIFY to the tournament.

[@scpjack7856]

A completely closed league designed to make the best teams in recent history richer and more powerful = 😡 In Africa = 😯 Can FIFA and CAF not just fund the existing competitions properly?

[@outofthetrash5925]

💯 It's bad enough when the corruption led institutions are in charge of the rules but when they hold the power to your finances too, you have no chance.

[@Rachl1284]

tbf it’s not completely closed it’s based on club regional ranking but it’s not far off, still wildy unfair and rigged towards the richest clubs to make it 9 times out of 10

[@TigerFitoff]

idc taraji dawla❤💛🖤 extra 4m a year now to dominate the league🤑🤑

[@MyMainMan90]

But football started this way. Would it not be better to create an environment where the top teams are establishing top profits which brings top investors to eventually create top infrastructure and player prospects

[@Partiallygore]

As a South African, I love hearing about Supersport

[@ThePunisher014]

Never heard of it here in the North.

[@sanjogkarki]

Whenever fifa is involved its always about the money!

[@arthurahabwe1301]

All I'm happy for is that Puma is supplying the AFCON balls. It may not be Nike or Adidas but its miles better than umbro. This shows progress.

[@bens4602]

Respect Umbro

[@ayakhasokabo8816]

Shout out to Motsepe(CAF President) and his football club( Sundowns) for winning this AFL trophy. That man knows success, just wish he could be the president of South Africas Football Association.

[@manfroma]

He might be the president of the country instead of SAFA

[@sammakhura6503]

Thanks for a balance report.

[@MythicalRhino97]

So bizarre to use the acronym AFL, search engines are just gonna point everyone towards the Australian football league that’s been around for decades

[@andrew_j_weber]

More than 140 years :)

[@ramiutube]

​@@andrew_j_webertechnically 'ol mate is right, AFL has been around since 1990. It was the VFL before that but i get what you're saying.

[@darthmarticusLFC]

Ahmad Ahmad - what a name

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

There is a potential in African football as they love football and have a lot of talent. I remember last month I watched AFCON which is way more popular than the Asian Cup.

[@messimuiru]

As an African working within football, i dont like this. Why not increase the cash prizes for the African Champions League and African Cup. This allowes for reinvestment for participating teams and they come back stronger. And trickle down is always a consequence so it has a higher chance of getting to grassroots football

[@thegift9948]

The idea here I think is to replace the current CAF CL format with the newly formed African Football League format in future.

[@bekisiphotshili2566]

@@thegift9948 T what end. Do that FIFA, and Europeans start telling us what to do once again.

[@luthandomsawawa7487]

Please more news about African Football news

[@tawananyashanyanhi2186]

I think you should make a video on what Africa should do to grow it's football

[@LawAndBedlum]

4:14 I was wondering why I haven't seen any games on SuperSport

[@tshepomotsuenyane811]

hearing your pronunciation of Motsepe had me laughing and in tears. You made it sound Italian

[@davidryan7613]

Who cares call him Mutseppi even

[@nikegloves209]

This just going to make the biggest clubs more richer and a power gap in their respective league is going to be bigger.

[@gototheantusluggard2644]

I’m a Football content creator on KZbinr and contrary to popular belief, the AFL will be a great blessing to CAF / AFRICA As of recording this msg, a number of sponsors are lining up for nxt years AFCON in Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 and CAFCC/CL starting on the 25th of November all thanks to the success of the African Football League coverage across many countries outside africa The one thing Africa Football is in desperate need of is financial injection hence the comparison to the Europeans ditching the competition is unfair because their not in need of capital/sponsorship like their African counterparts And anyway why does the African always benchmark everything they have to do against the Europeans If it was rejected by Europe it doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t work here I believe The AFL was used as a vehicle to advertise/market/sell its product to the cooperate world for the purpose of sponsorship to football ⚽️

[@DonDagan1]

A massive move for African football would be to move the African cup of nations tournament dates inline with the major leagues. Many more players would be playing for better teams if the clubs didn't have to think about having to go a month without a few players.

[@Mammutidae]

Heh, as an Aussie AFL means something else

[@limbeboy7]

There is also an AFL in America, but once again it's about which is the most popular in the world that takes it.

[@MongeyMongey]

I really do not get the idea behind AFL, I mean why do not they re structure the CAF CL or add the prize money of AFL to the CAFCL structure

[@ahmeddobrev4475]

Please make an analysis of Wolves under Gary O'Neil

[@samiiryare2786]

Lightning star's 4 African football ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

[@yaaobenewaah1697]

It's basically a trial competition for the European super League. It was initially called the african super League.

[@user-hx8el3qz4y]

Make a video about Mamelodi Sundowns

[@NeoMadihlaba]

Motsepe is Nasser El Khelaifi’s long lost African twin

[@ledtargaouschi5831]

But to be honest, footballistically & in terms of following and fun, i can confidently say it was on a good level

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Knowing Infantino, we should just be grateful that he isn't forcing to have AFCON hosted by Joseph Kony.

[@simonjackson8379]

Simba Sports Club ❤ 🦁AFL Opening match in Tanzania 🇹🇿 🙏🏾 CAF

[@robinpillay8462]

African football has come a long way over the past 40 years, but football as a global spectacle has always been about Europe and South America.

[@MrGA555]

Anyone think FIFA should create a new confederation? Made up of Middle East and North Africa nations? Logistically it makes sense and the rivalry between these nations make for great marketing

[@rahimchachoua7237]

fun fact sundows the team owned by motesepe won the turnament

[@SenabeloBandileShongwe]

they should have just added the 8 teams in the ccl

[@willmurrill3572]

So FIFA don't mind THIS Super League as it will line their pockets

[@MBMackie89]

"tense geo-political situation" being Rwanda's continued genocide and slavery of people from DRC. Weird how Visit Rwanda is being forced on everyone via sponsorship not only for this tournament but throughout Europe(PSG, England national team etc) as if to promote these crimes against humanity

[@lwandomadikizela2213]

Close to pronouncing Patrick Motsepe right though. However, many Africans are baffled on why the AFL is needed. Our local league the PSL(Premier Soccer League) in South Africa gets messed up by the demanding fixtures in any CAF competitions examples AFCON, CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup that some teams have to postpone games. Not to mention grass root football in Africa has been appalling for years. Look at South Africa, we have talented players coming through the ranks unfortunately SAFA has no structure for our players though thrive on. The last thing we need is another Super League in Africa since CAF is doing nothing to combat corruption in African football.

[@seemourbutts6679]

Maybe they’ll be able to put a tournament on one year where somebody doesn’t die

[@MrAce86Productions]

I see that many Africans have despised this tournament whereas I see it as a benefit in the future. As I'm not African I can't fully disagree with the African people as they know exactly how things are run however, being British, I remember the days when people used to slag off the African Cup of Nations for being a rubbish tournament as their teams lost key players but the quality of the tournament got really better and its a tournament i actually enjoy watching especially the fans/support. Although I can understand the frustration regarding traveling for matches in different countries, the competition will improve and format changed over time which should improve more African talent as Africa has produced many world class players over the years. So, in short, I'm for it as I think football will win overall as the African level most likely will improve and just like middle east football, as long as football wins, that's all that matters because what I want at the international stage is an Asian and African team winning the world cup or get so good, make it harder for the other teams to win the tournament.

[@FRANZ2gz]

You're not African

[@chisomosakala4305]

I understand your line of thinking. You're coming out as if though you're not aware that in Africa we have Caf and Confederations cup...which is exactly like Champions League and Europa League. Why not just sponsor the already existing tournaments?? There's already CAF and Confederations cup no need for another tournament!

[@Numero6dl]

Less shill, kiddo.

[@boniledokolwana2570]

​@@chisomosakala4305This is a good point. But I think the reason may be that FIFA want to be sure of the tournament's sustainability before affecting the already existing tournaments. Imagine FIFA or Infantino being involved in a bigger and improved Champions league only for a next FIFA president to scrap and downgrade it. I think that's why they've left those untouched. They want to see if Africa can have a strong football competition that can sustain itself even when FIFA is gone before taking permant decisions that will affect the already existing competitions

[@sunrae3971]

As a European i would not mind to give 8 Spots in Europe Champions league to North & West African Clubs under the condition that African Away Games been played in North Africa. I don´t know for 2 Season or so as starting aid to attract sponsors for African Football.

[@bekisiphotshili2566]

Why play them in North Africa? If you only want to play with your North African cousins, just say so.

[@sunrae3971]

@@bekisiphotshili2566 🤣Well distance buddy. i mean Nigeria Norway seems crazy but north Africa is just a 30min-1h longer flight than to Spain in some instances.

[@bekisiphotshili2566]

@@sunrae3971 Okidoki. Just invite North African teams into your league.

[@RevoIke]

If only they could really invest in what is nécessary. Having better pitches. I believe Half of the teams in CAF Qualifier will play outside their countries than with their local people.

[@brunoxtrim2115]

Why did you use the UCl trophy in the background while talking of the CAF CL, we have a trophy too! Next time better!

[@Pickartproject]

@tifo you must speak and make for content about african football

[@Khigha87]

I think this is an opportunity for you to do it mate! Get info, templates and guidance from Tifo and become a contributor. You have an interest which makes you the best person for the job. I believe in you, can't wait to see what you come up with

[@daniel-eunbum-lee]

I like how they don’t even try to hide their intentions. Money. Not about glory, honor, fans, etc. Just money. Of course it’s important. But being so explicit about money cheapens the experience.

[@user-xi4nh2ht9f]

CAF PLEASE REVIEW COMPITION CHAMPION LEAGUE BETWEEN YOUNG AFRICAN VS MEDIAMA OF GHANA PLEYED ON 8th DESEMBER IN GHANA, RESULTS IS NOT FEAR FOR YOUNG AFRICAN THEAR IS RED AND TRUE GOLL OF YOUNG AFRICAN REFFUSED BY REFFEREE,

[@stevenm5997]

Just give the money to the domestic leagues. There's already a large financial disparity between the South African and north african clubs and everyone else. This seems like it would make that worse and even aside from that it would make leagues like Egypt's and South Africa's even less competitive.

[@isaymymind1727]

If you want an idea to fail in Africa, put a high price on it... See you in two years when you do the post-mortem of this tournament..

[@Nooguysorryyyy536]

Why’s the prize money reduced?

[@KwatuistM]

Instead of making this beauty contest, they should've improved CAF Champions League & CAF Confederations Cup. We want to see the big boys play against unknown teams from Gambia & Burundi.

[@Onwabile-uc8sm]

My club by the way Sundowns from South Africa won

[@sunflowerangelnctzen]

man i dont know im naturally always skeptical at whatever western based organizations has in plans for africa.. like just hope that this doesnt end up as a seeding move that holds participation in some kind of other motives that is gonna result at another catastrophic events in or between the african nations

[@enderofruina2973]

Could do with 5mil dollars for New Zealand football

[@PH-jv4ik]

I mean my Local league (South Africa) is dead anyway i don't care as long as their is competition of some sort.

[@que1626]

Your not lying. Sundowns has played 8 games and are at the top of the league while the rest of the league have played 11 to 12 games. It's embarrassing how poor the league is.

[@kopanomolebatsi3638]

😂💔The fact that we still would rather have a continental final be moved a day to accommodate the soweto derby really shows where our prioritize lie, (and that time I'm a Chiefs fan mara awoah guys its 7th vs 10th, even if pirates has 2 games in hand 🤦‍♂🙆‍♂)

[@evangelix9251]

stop changing the game we love. It's just a business now

[@vaffangool9196]

*It doesn't matter* what sort of arrangement African clubs enter into with FIFA. The sanctioning body might help arrange financing to bring first-division pitches into compliance with bare minimum international standards, but African clubs have to be allowed to feel their own way through sustainable arrangements with television deals and player contracts that tie homegrown talent to local clubs.

[@TopGooner-yr9tc]

As a person in sub Saharan Africa without supersport showing the games it's likely it won't pick up views in Africa.

[@nicholasjoseph9062]

teething problems. i can see that it would be a bigger tournament than most football tournament in the world

[@anansistirade5800]

Nothing ever goes according to plan in Africa

[@chesterhawkins4660]

Infantino’s a slippery kipper ain’t he

[@rinzo2009]

It should have been named the Afro Champions Cup or Afro Super League.

[@Anone_Anone]

My gut tell me the end goal is Europe super league where the money is, that's why FIFA back this. This is purely opinion 😅

[@United_Wings]

Oh

[@leobestbote4244]

Oooh so that's what's up, I thought the African football league is replacing the CAF champions league, thanx Tifo for the update

[@IPYana.I]

It's Benjamin Mkapa stadium 😂😂😂

[@Afrochop]

I see nothing wrong with this Africa needs it

[@BlueWoWTaylan]

Only legacy Infantino will leave is that he will be remembered as somehow being more openly corrupt than Blatter and that is saying something.

[@chisomosakala4305]

Isn't the best move sponsoring the already exciting league??? Finding better deals to help clubs improve infrastructure, youth systems,and other areas? There is too many competitions already...and the people in suits want to create more? Obviously for money...

[@pesiganfrancisluisd.1461]

Instead of naming it the African Football League (AFL) why not name it the African Super League since this league is like a Super League. I'm from the Philippines but always been a big African Football fan!

[@timamai]

I'm surprised that no Kenyan team is participating in this "league". 😅 Granted, I've been made aware of it right now, after watching this video😂🤣 It can mean something about this "game changing" league, or so I guess.

[@user-vp7yx6xw5j]

4:00

[@AquarianAngel]

The UEFA Champions League is basically gonna become the Super League starting in the 2024/25 season. Get ready.

[@GarnachoEmpire712]

Sounds like the the European super league but for African so it’s a no in my opinion

[@arthurmathebula5011]

Mamelodi sundowns is the psg or man city of Africa backed by a billionaire owner who is part of a higher organization in the confederations and other teams can’t compete

[@tobiaschurch8848]

As part of the ones who don't watch African football, just waiting to see what really happens. Might end up being the first step to Africa having its own major League and cup. Keeping some talent and thriving. Or corruption will consume all it's potential and we'll have yet another failed project on our resume. Let's pray for the former❤

[@london8615]

Ma-Zem-Bey

[@Jaw-waadWesso-by1ok]

Congratulations to Memlodi Sundowns for winning the AFL

[@mg123rules]

Bro soccer is the new basketball and nfl

[@Thespacecadet187]

AFL is Aussies rules... Forever... Always