The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is looking to complete the current season of Champions League and Confederation Cup tournaments in the coming period. The move came after CAF announced two proposals to resume the two competitions, in light of the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Updates on Champions League, Confederation Cup
During a video conference meeting, CAF discussed two proposals to resume the current season of the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
These include holding the first-leg matches for the championship’s semi-finals between 31 July and 2 August. The second-leg matches would be held on one of the days over 7, 8 or 9 August. The final match will be either 23 or 25 August.
As for the second proposal, the first-leg games will be held on the 4, 5 or 6 September, with the second-leg matched to be held on the 11, 12 or 13 of the same month. The final in the second proposal will be held on 23 or 25 September.
Four scenarios presented for next season
CAF’s Executive Committee also began discussing several proposals for the new 2020/21 season, which is expected to start in October and to end next May.
The discussions come particularly due to the limited time available for the new season, especially if the Africa Cup of Nations will be played as scheduled in January and February 2021 in Cameroon.
CAF Executive Committee outlines several proposals for next season:
– Cancelling qualification of the 16 clubs knocked out of the first round of Champions League into the Confederation Cup, although the committee fears this would weaken the Confederation Cup.
– Cancelling the quarter-finals and allowing the top teams in the four groups in the round of 16 to qualify directly.
– Holding the semi-final and final matches in one single match rather than two legs, to finish the season before June.
– Holding the finals after June without amending the system of competitions.
In the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, Egypt’s Zamalek will face Moroccan Raja Club Athletic, while Al Ahly are set to meet Wydad also from Morocco.
At the Confederation Cup, Egypt’s Pyramids will meet Horoya AC, while RS Berkane will face Hassania Agadir.
CAF had decided to postpone the CAF Champions League semi-finals in April due to the coronavirus outbreak.
