CAF Women’s Champions League Set for Possible Expansion, Confirms Women’s Football Head

The Head of Women’s Football at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, has announced plans to expand the Women’s Champions League (WCL) in future editions. Since the competition’s 2021 debut, the WCL has operated with an eight-team format, including this year’s edition, which begins on November 9 and concludes on November 23 in Morocco.

Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the 2024 tournament, Tadesse Goshime acknowledged the challenges involved in expanding the WCL due to logistical and financial constraints, with travel across Africa being a significant obstacle. However, she indicated that an increase in the number of participating teams could happen soon, provided more member associations engage in the qualification rounds.

“Traveling in Africa is not really easy; you have to catch flights and sometimes travel for 24 hours,” she said. “We want more member associations engaging in the qualifiers before we can push forward with a 12-team or 16-team final.”

Tadesse Goshime also emphasized the need for more competitive representation, especially as Africa aims to strengthen its presence on the world stage. With the Women’s World Cup growing in significance, CAF is keen to ensure African clubs are adequately prepared to make their mark internationally.

The current priority for CAF is to build a strong, competitive brand for the Women’s Champions League. “When you have only eight teams, you ensure that the finalists are of very high quality,” she explained, emphasizing the need for engagement from CAF member nations to achieve sustainable growth for the tournament.

As reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns chase a third title in four years, this year’s tournament unfolds without a Ghanaian representative, as Hasaacas Ladies failed to qualify from the WAFU B qualifiers.