African football is preparing for a major overhaul as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sets out to reshape its national team competitions in a bold move aimed at elevating the game across the continent. In an announcement released Monday, CAF unveiled plans for a brand-new African Nations League, along with a series of sweeping reforms designed to bring national team football to unprecedented heights.
At the heart of this transformation is a clear ambition: to ensure that every year features a high-profile tournament showcasing Africa’s top talent, especially those playing in elite leagues around the world. To make this vision a reality, CAF will collaborate closely with FIFA in developing and launching this new tournament.
However, there will be an exception during World Cup years. CAF confirmed that no continental senior team tournaments will be held when the FIFA World Cup takes place, as all focus will shift to the nine or ten African nations that qualify, allowing them to dedicate their full attention to tournament preparations.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the reforms as a turning point, emphasizing that they will enable African competitions to stand alongside the biggest events on the global stage. He also highlighted the dual benefit of raising the quality of the game while unlocking new financial opportunities.
A major part of the financial plan involves increasing the annual support given to each member federation. Going forward, each will receive $1 million per year—five times the previous amount of $200,000. This increase is linked to a new billion-dollar tender launched by CAF, expected to generate commercial and financial benefits for all 54 affiliated associations.
CAF is also turning its attention to youth development, committing to increased investment in nurturing both male and female talent. Resources will be directed toward strengthening regional and club-level competitions, ensuring a pipeline of skilled players across the continent. Internally, CAF will also review its staff salaries, aiming to improve working conditions and retain top talent.
Another significant change will come after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, when CAF plans to boost prize money for both its Champions League and Confederation Cup, adding more incentive and visibility to its top club competitions.
Beyond tournaments and finances, CAF is working with FIFA and other key stakeholders to resolve one of African football’s long-standing challenges: the clash between club and national team calendars. The goal is to streamline schedules, reducing the strain on players who often have to juggle commitments with both their clubs and countries. According to Motsepe, aligning calendars is crucial for protecting players’ careers and advancing African football as a whole.
This wide-ranging reform package marks a new chapter for African football, one focused not just on competitiveness, but also on sustainability, equity, and long-term growth.
