Introduction
The potential formation of the European Super League in 2021 was the source of much debate in football. Some said it would usher in a new age of competitiveness and revenue, while others worried about it tarnishing the sport’s reputation. As a result, the debate over whether or not the European Super League should be legalized became a critical subject that required serious thought. Various proponents of the idea have posited their stance on the matter and they have supported this stance with various claims that appear to present the idea of an European Super League as a fantastic one. That said, by examining the pros and cons of forming a European Super League and its more extensive ramifications for the future of football, it is not hard to imagine the amount of potential that belies Africa if a similar idea is implemented by the Confederation of African Football.
Why CAF Super League?
As of its original announcement in April 2021, the European Super League was set to feature 20 of the best football clubs in Europe. Fifteen of these clubs would have been regulars at the yearly tournament, while the remaining five would have had a chance to earn promotion. Although the initial endeavor failed, A22 Sports Management – a company created by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus to manage the European Super League is now releasing a revised version. To this day, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus remain the three biggest clubs behind the new idea, which is meant to provide an alternative to the current club championships organized by UEFA. While the football world thinks that this is a disaster for European football, I am of the opinion that an implementation of a similar idea in Africa could be just the spark that African club football needs to get the world’s attention; especially given the fact that it doesn’t have the deep pockets that its European and Arabian counterparts have.
The CAF Super League: A Super idea?
In actual theory, the concept of a CAF Super League may seem like a dream come true for football supporters. Virtually every football supporter would smack their lips at the prospect of a yearly matchup between the heavyweights of African football. Generally, except on a few occasions when there are upsets, the same teams have been regulars at the deep stages of the African Elite Competition- The CAF Champions League. So why have top teams waste time and resurces to the deepest parts of the continent when everyone knows how the marches will end anyway?
The small teams can compete in the CAF Confederations Cup or the a new less competitive competition if CAF really wants them to participate in competitions at continental level. The kind of tournaments where they wouldn’t simply be pitted against opponents who not only were a better match for them, but where they really stood a chance of winning the thing. The Champions League should only feature the greatest clubs from around the continent, not just one league. In order to find the greatest club, the competition needs to be as intense and intriguing as it can get right from the start of the group stage. While there have been Champions League winners who avoided facing any elite sides until the semifinals or even the final, this is hardly a given. At the same time, as a merit-based structure is being worked out, the Super League will make sure it is comprised of the finest clubs on the continent.
This is one of the biggest foundations on which my argument for the African Super League stands. I am of the firm opinion that creating a structure that allows only the best to face the best increases the level of skill and competition on display in football and generally increases the level of entertainment that fans enjoy. It also is expected to increase the revenue that clubs get and that way everyone wins. African football is at risk of crumbling. It is time for a transition.
In a world where the demand for fan power is increasingly on the rise, it is important to note that in football, the economic risk is borne by the clubs themselves and not fans. However, when crucial considerations are need to be made, owners are frequently forced to relax their grip as the sporting and financial underpinnings collapse around them as they always have to make decisions in ways that keeps the fans carried along- even when it doesn’t wholly favour them. To club owners and Federation Administrators, Football is a business and it should be treated as such.
Why the European Super League might not be a great idea
That said, it should be worthy of note that there are a lot of stakeholders in the world of football; ranging from the fans to players to clubs and their owners, football associations, the media, sponsors, and a host of others. The implementation of a policy or an idea, be it as it may be one that carries the best interests of all of these stakeholders at heart. Of course, an argument can be made for how fans want to see the big teams throw punches at one another but in the same vein, fans would very much love a David and Goliath story once in a while and the African Super League has a huge potential of robbing fans of this reality.
While the interests of football clubs should be considered, that of players who would have to play at increased intensity consistently should be considered as well. Besides, fanbases that have identities and cultures entrenched in their history could end up being watered down in a bid to match new rivalries that match the atmosphere of proposed football competitions.
Moreover, football goes beyond the players on the pitch. It is deeply rooted in culture, traditions, and history that predates the existence of some football competitions themselves. If the top teams across the continent formed a closed shop that only allowed them to play one another on a regular basis, it would be a big step toward the ultimate demise of professional football at nearly every other level as everyone would only give attention to what happens at the top level. This could even mean that African football at domestic league level could take a hit.
A more Balanced outlook
Looking at one side of the issue does not tell the whole story. Football is a competition and it rightfully should remain so. It should be noted that the essence of competition is equity and fairness. In Europe for example, there is information around that suggests that the non-Premier League football clubs have been robbed of the equity that football competitions promise as they all have to compete on the same fronts with less financial resources than the Premier League clubs even though they(the top non-Premier League clubs) offer better footballing value.
The uproar around the matter was even heightened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as clubs suffered very huge financial casualties as a result while the Premier League clubs were thriving. While clubs in England’s Premier League are doing well financially, those in Spain and Italy are struggling. This was evident during the last winter transfer window when Chelsea broke the British transfer record. With expenditures that exceed that of the top-flight clubs in Italy, Germany, France, and Spain combined, Chelsea spent over £323 million on eight players in January.
This, except the Chelsea bit of course is a reflection of the state of football in Africa. With even worse revenue than these European clubs, it appears that the survival of the football industry in Africa is hanging on a thread and if the Football Associations do not make attempts to salvage the situation, the clubs involved could do it themselves- talk about taking responsibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am not very much against a Super League. I am an advocate of good football. I am would also love to see a great future for the world of football. The CAF Super League promises more entertainment for fans, more revenue for owners, fewer long-distance journeys for players, more commercial opportunities for sponsors, and a lot more if done right.
The idea of a CAF Super League presents both exciting possibilities and potential challenges for African football. While it’s true that such a league could elevate the level of competition, increase revenue, and capture global attention, it must be approached with caution and careful consideration of all stakeholders.
Football is more than just a game; it’s a cultural and historical phenomenon deeply rooted in the fabric of societies across Africa. The potential transformation of the African football landscape should prioritize equity, fairness, and the preservation of the unique identities and traditions associated with the sport in the region.
While the European Super League debate may serve as a reference point, it’s essential to tailor any such initiative to the specific needs and circumstances of African football. Striking a balance between competitiveness and maintaining the essence of the sport should be the guiding principle.
A successful CAF Super League should not only benefit the top clubs but also trickle down its advantages to grassroots football, domestic leagues, and the entire football ecosystem in Africa. It’s a collective responsibility, one that requires collaboration between football associations, club owners, players, and fans.
In the end, the pursuit of a CAF Super League should be driven by a shared vision of promoting African football on the global stage while respecting its rich heritage. By doing so, we can hope for a brighter future for the beautiful game on the African continent, where the passion of fans, the talent of players, and the tradition of football can coexist harmoniously.
