Hani Abou Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association, sparked a wide debate within the corridors of the African Football Confederation (CAF), after submitting an exceptional proposal aimed at reshaping continental club competitions, by granting additional slots to some clubs with large fan bases, a step he believes will enhance marketing value and increase viewership and followership rates for both tournaments.

Abou Rida submitted a proposal to grant additional slots to clubs with wide fan bases, suggesting the participation of Egypt's Al Ahly and Morocco's Raja Casablanca in the Africa Champions League, alongside Morocco's Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup, with the aim of increasing the marketing value of the two competitions and boosting fan and television followership rates.

Abou Rida believes that African football is undergoing a period of rapid development on both sporting and commercial levels, especially given the momentum the continent has witnessed in recent years, along with the gains achieved on the global stage, which calls for developing CAF competitions to ensure a greater presence for clubs with rich history and wide popularity.

The Moroccan outlet Al Batoul revealed that the proposal received a positive reaction in some circles, and also gained a good impression from a number of officials, including Moroccan officials, as well as CAF President Patrice Motsepe, before the idea hit a snag with the stance of the Competitions Committee, which refused to adopt it at present.

The source added that the proposal was up for discussion during one of the meetings held hours earlier, before its resolution was postponed to a upcoming meeting early next week, after the World Cup final, where various organizational and technical aspects related to it will be addressed, in preparation for a final decision on it.

It is worth noting that MAS Fes and RS Berkane will represent Morocco in the Africa Champions League, while Raja will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup. Meanwhile, Zamalek and Pyramids will represent Egyptian football in the Africa Champions League, while Al Ahly will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.