T
he bid to create a Super
League in Europe might
have crashed and burned
in spectacular fashion but
plans for a similar project in Africa
are being relentlessly pushed.
The man appearing to take the
lead in trying to persuade clubs to
join is FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
He might have ultimately criticised last
year’s attempts by top European clubs
to form their own Super League, but in
Africa he has no qualms about showing
his support for the project, even going
as far as leading symposiums to explain
the concept to African clubs to try to
win them over.
It has become a pet project,
one that has been enthusiastically
backed by acolyte Patrice Motsepe,
whose elevation to the helm of the
Confederation of African Football one
year ago was approved by Infantino.
African clubs – almost all of whom
lose money competing in continental
club competition – have been told they
stand to profit considerably and haveTHE AFRICAN
SUPER
LEAGUE
Words:Mark GleesonIf plans to introduce a new club competition
in Africa come to fruition, football on the
continent will change forevertherefore given the concept an
enthusiastic ear, even if many are
still sceptical about whether it will
see the light of day – or more
importantly, prove successful.
Infantino has to “show the
money” and he and Motsepe have
spent considerable time trying to find
investors and sponsors since Motsepe’s
election to the CAF presidency in March- But initial plans for an August
kick-off look a massive stretch as
the search for backers continues.
Club officials have toldWorld
Soccerthe project has an air of
“disorganisation” about it, even if
Infantino himself led a February
workshop in Cameroon when clubs
were invited to hear of the plans,
and, at the same time, attend the
Africa Cup of Nations final between
Egypt and Senegal in Yaounde.
Former Arsenal manager and
current FIFA Chief of Global Football
Development, Arsene Wenger, was also
brought along to try to sell the project,
with 40 clubs invited to attend the
SPECIAL
REPORT