CAF Champions League expansion nears approval following Egyptian FA proposal

CAF is moving closer to expanding the Champions League following a high stakes proposal from Egyptian FA chief Hany Abo Rida.

The Confederation of African Football CAF is evaluating a major structural overhaul of its flagship club competition. The proposed change centers on granting selected national associations an additional qualification slot for the CAF Champions League, distributed strictly according to official continental coefficient rankings and established regulatory frameworks.

The lifeline for Cairo's giants

This potential expansion carries monumental implications for Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. After enduring a rare domestic slump that saw them finish third in the Egyptian Premier League last season, the Red Devils were initially set to miss out on Champions League football.

However, if CAF officially ratifies the extra allocation for high-ranking nations like Egypt, Al Ahly will secure a backdoor entry into the premier competition.

Positive momentum behind the scenes

According to a report from Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, Abo Rida’s proposal has received overwhelmingly positive feedback within CAF headquarters.

A significant majority of Executive Committee members back the expansion of the Champions League, provided the secondary CAF Confederation Cup maintains its current structural format.

The likelihood of approval has surged after CAF's Competitions Committee officially extended the deadline for member federations to submit their participating clubs until August.

This crucial administrative delay buys the governing body the necessary time to finalize all legal, commercial and organizational frameworks required to implement the new system.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

CAF Champions League

CAF Confederation Cup