Motsepe lacks Super League details but says African team will make 2026 final

December 22 - African football boss Patrice Motsepe has again failed to provide a credible update on his confederation's plans to launch a Super League in 2023, this time suggesting that too many clubs have shown their support. interest in competition.

“There have been long discussions about the Super League with various constituencies and some prefer to remain confidential,” Motsepe (pictured) told a press conference in South Africa.

“The problem we have is that there are just too many anxious clubs all over the continent wanting to participate. The first day you participate in the Super League you get 2 million dollars, just by being a member of the Super League. The $2 million also allows you to buy players, hopefully because you want it to be the best of the best, but also to help with transport. airlines will make it much easier and better to travel across the continent.”

In August, Motsepe and CAF revealed that the 24 Super League clubs would receive $2.5 million each for their participation. It was also reported that the format of the first edition could be reduced to eight teams.

"There will be promotions and relegations over time because it's not closed," Motsepe said. "But very good progress and discussions are taking place."

Besides the endless shape-shifting on the format and structure of the Super League, Motsepe has consistently failed to back up its claims of progress with concrete announcements, especially when it comes to funding and business partners the elephants in the room.

CAF finances remain precarious. In recent years, CAF's finances have collapsed dramatically. For the 2020-2021 financial year, the accounts of CAF show a loss of 45 million dollars. The organization also depleted its cash reserves, which stood at $68 million at the end of fiscal year 2020/2021, compared to $108 million at the end of fiscal year 2019/2020.

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The recent $50 million settlement with former business partner Lagardère has blown a new hole in CAF's books, but Morocco's success at the World Cup in Qatar, claiming a historic fourth place and the best ever result for an African country, allowed Motsepe to paint the future of African football as rosy. The South African has predicted that an African team will participate in the World Cup final in 2026.

"I am convinced that in the next World Cup, an African nation will go further," said Motsepe. “Morocco's historic achievements have made all of us in Africa particularly proud. The future of African football is incredibly bright.

"If you look at the talent on the continent, there are now 10 to 15 nations in Africa that can compete at the highest level in the world and win."

During a 90-minute press conference, Motsepe, however, seemed to barely know who Walid Regragui was. Motsepe has often failed to identify famous football personalities, but his most disconcerting remark came when he finally - officially - revealed why he became CAF boss in the first place.

He said: "I have a business. I sell certain goods and services. I want to be associated with football because football will give me more visibility with my customers, with my customers."

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