The president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has warned that the growing number of matches top-level footballers are being required to play will have long-term negative consequences for the sport.
This comes as several prominent figures in football have recently voiced concerns about the increasing workload players are facing. Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri recently suggested that players are nearing the point of considering strike action due to fatigue and overexertion.
One key factor adding to the strain is Fifa’s decision to expand the Club World Cup in 2025. Previously, the tournament lasted about 10 days, with top teams playing a maximum of two matches. However, the revamped format will stretch over a month and require participating teams to play seven matches to win the title, significantly increasing the demands on players.
Concerns are mounting that this heavier schedule could harm players’ physical well-being and the overall quality of football in the long run.
“We don’t want them to play more than they should – it’s not good for football, and it’s not good for the long-term success of the sport,” Caf president Patrice Motsepe told BBC Sport Africa.
“The commitment from all stakeholders is indeed the players’ health and condition, and the frequency which they have to be on the field is important to us.”
Motsepe is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African club provides a good example of the workload faced by leading players.
If South Africa secures qualification for both the next World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Mamelodi Sundowns players could face a non-stop schedule until mid-2027. Ten Sundowns players were part of the South African squad that finished third at this year’s Afcon, and the upcoming fixtures are set to pile up.
The 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, scheduled for June-July, will be followed by the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from December 2025 to January 2026. Shortly after that, the World Cup will take place in June-July 2026, leaving little time for rest.
In Europe, similar concerns about player fatigue are being raised. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is considering giving his players mid-season breaks due to the expanded Champions League, which now includes two extra games. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who plays alongside Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, also voiced his frustrations, saying players are “tired of having more games.” The escalating match schedules are leading to increasing concerns about player burnout and its long-term impact on the sport.
“Part of what we have to do is to keep talking, keep engaging but also keep listening,” said Motsepe.
“Solutions will be found that are in the interests of all parties.”
- Saudi investment
Caf President Patrice Motsepe recently traveled to London to finalize a financial agreement with Saudi Arabia concerning the hosting of the African Super Cup. The discussions extended beyond just the upcoming match, as the two parties explored additional partnership opportunities.
On September 27, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, will host the highly anticipated Super Cup match between Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the Champions League winners, and Zamalek, the Confederation Cup champions. Known as the Cairo derby, this fixture is regarded as the fiercest rivalry in African football. According to Caf, tickets for the event, which has garnered immense support across the Middle East, sold out “within an hour.”
For Motsepe, who has consistently emphasized the importance of Caf achieving financial self-sufficiency, the interest and investment from Saudi Arabia present a promising opportunity. Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in global sports has been viewed by some as part of a strategy to enhance its international image, but for Caf, it’s a chance to strengthen the financial foundations of African football.
“It brings two of the best African clubs together, playing in Saudi,” he said.
“African football needs financial resources and the key issue is that these resources must go on what they are supposed to.”
Caf had debts of $40-50m (£30–37.5m) when Motsepe took charge in 2021 but the South African said earlier this week that the deficit is now under $10m (£7.5m).
This is thanks to an increase in Nations Cup sponsors and television rights, as well as the financial input from Saudi Arabia.
“The benefits of what we are doing will really be seen three, five or seven years down the line,” said Motsepe.
‘Independent, ethical and credible’ investigation
As Patrice Motsepe works to attract more business partners for Caf, he’s acutely aware of the significance of maintaining the organization’s global reputation.
Motsepe took over the helm of Caf following the departure of Ahmad Ahmad from Madagascar, whose presidency ended in controversy after he became the first Caf president to be banned by FIFA for ethics violations, including the misuse of funds.
Under Motsepe’s leadership, Caf has largely avoided such scandals, but an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct involving its General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, has surfaced. Mosengo-Omba, who firmly denies the allegations, remains in his position during the investigation. Motsepe has emphasized that the inquiry must remain independent, free from any external interference, to ensure fairness and transparency.
“At the heart of any allegations is an independent, ethical and credible assessment – and that’s why we were insisting that the entity investigating these allegations has to be among the top in the world.”
“The key issue for somebody in my position is to allow the investigators to do their work. We have to be able to continue to gain the credibility and respect of all stakeholders.”
Kenya’s ‘exceptional guarantees’
Last weekend, Patrice Motsepe inspected sports facilities in Kenya before announcing on Monday that the country will co-host the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament featuring African players competing in their domestic leagues.
Kenya will share hosting duties with its neighbors Tanzania and Uganda as the three nations gear up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This will mark the first time in over 40 years that East Africa will host the prestigious tournament.
Despite Kenya currently lacking a stadium meeting the required standards for hosting matches, Motsepe expressed confidence in the country’s ability to prepare. He mentioned that Kenyan President William Ruto has assured him that the necessary infrastructure will be ready, despite Kenya previously losing the hosting rights for both the 1996 AFCON and the 2018 CHAN due to inadequate preparations.
“I trust President Ruto, I trust the president of Tanzania, I trust the president of Uganda,” said the 62-year-old. “When you look people in the eye, you can see the passion.”
“I’m going back [to Kenya] in December to make sure that the excellent guarantees that I’ve been given have been implemented.”
Kenya is refurbishing two new stadiums – the Moi International Sports Centre (60,000-capacity) and Nyayo Stadium (15,000) – ahead of the CHAN, while also building the Talanta Sports City Stadium (60,000) for the 2027 Afcon.
“A lot of work is already being done,” said Motsepe, who toured Kenya’s stadiums on Sunday. “I saw a lot of excellent renovations and upgrading taking place.”
After being closed for renovation in 2019, the Namboole Stadium has been hosting games since May in Uganda, which is building another Nations Cup stadium in Hoima, while Tanzania, which is also constructing new arenas, already has the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The countries will host the CHAN between 1-28 February.
SOURCE: BBC
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