The African Football League (AFL) is a continental men's club football competition run by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2023. It was announced on 28 November 2019 by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA. It was initially launched as the Africa Super League on 10 August 2022 and was to include twenty-four elite African clubs with a promotion/relegation system, but is scaled down to eight teams for its inaugural campaign. The second season, scheduled for 2024 did not take place, but a restart of the league has been announced for 2025 with an expanded format.

History

Gianni Infantino launched the tournament during a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to celebrate the 80th anniversary of TP Mazembe, saying the top 20 clubs in Africa should be chosen and made to participate in an African league. Infantino said this league would generate revenues of $100 million, making it among the top ten leagues in the world, and revealed that he was launching an appeal to raise $1 billion in order to give every African country a football stadium that complies with the specifications of FIFA.

On 17 July 2021, the President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, confirmed the move to implement the African Super League project as a new tournament ran under the umbrella of CAF, with large financial returns for the sides taking part. The Confederation of African Football launched the competition on 10 August 2022 in Arusha, Tanzania, where more information about the competition was released.

CAF initially wanted to start the competition in August 2023, with reports suggest that 24 clubs would feature in three groups of eight teams, ahead of a knockout stage starting at the Round of 16. These teams would have been taken from the best-ranked African clubs over the past few years, with groups played on a regional basis (North, Central/West, South/East). As part of the club licensing criteria, participating clubs would be required to have a youth academy and a women's team.

On 9 June, the president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, announced the decision to change the name of the African Super League to the African Football League during an interview with beIN Sport. saying "Our friends in Europe advised us not to use the expression 'Super League' due to the negative associations with the recent failed attempt in European football." On 13 June 2023, during that year's CAF General Assembly in Abidjan, Infantino announced that the competition would be scaled back to 8 teams for the inaugural edition and would now kick off on 20 October 2023, which would be followed by an expanded tournament further down the line. The Africa Football League would also not replace CAF's top club competition, the CAF Champions League. On 29 August 2023, the competition format for the inaugural edition was announced, with the previous format announced to be adopted starting in 2024–25. On 20 October 2023, the president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, unveiled the African football league trophy.

CAF is planning to bring the competition back on 2025 when scheduling issues for the second edition were encountered in 2024.

**African Football League (AFL) Tournament Description**

Welcome to the African Football League (AFL), a premier soccer tournament that celebrates the rich tapestry of African football culture and showcases the continent's most talented teams and players. The AFL brings together clubs from across Africa, uniting diverse styles of play, passionate fan bases, and a shared love for the beautiful game.

**Tournament Overview:**
The African Football League is designed to elevate the level of competition and provide a platform for clubs to demonstrate their skills on an international stage. With a format that includes group stages followed by knockout rounds, the tournament promises thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable moments.

**Participating Teams:**
The AFL features a mix of established powerhouses and emerging clubs, representing various regions of Africa. Each team brings its unique flair, from the technical prowess of West African sides to the physicality and resilience of North African teams. Fans can expect to see some of the continent's brightest stars, as well as rising talents eager to make their mark.

**Cultural Celebration:**
Beyond the matches, the African Football League is a celebration of African culture. Fans will experience vibrant festivities, including traditional music, dance, and culinary delights from different regions. The tournament aims to foster unity and pride among African nations, highlighting the role of football as a unifying force.

**Community Engagement:**
The AFL is committed to giving back to the communities that support it. Through various outreach programs, the tournament will promote youth development, health initiatives, and educational opportunities, ensuring that the impact of football extends beyond the pitch.

**Join Us:**
Whether you're a die-hard football fan or new to the sport, the African Football League promises an exhilarating experience filled with passion, excitement, and camaraderie. Join us as we kick off this extraordinary tournament and witness the magic of African football unfold!