The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recently announced a tightening of sanctions against clubs participating in its competitions, including the African Champions League, Confederation Cup, and African Super Cup.
This stricter enforcement primarily targets violations of marketing guidelines, which have become a key issue in continental competitions, and impacts several teams.
The new policy was communicated through an official letter sent to national federations, reminding clubs of their obligations regarding the use of official equipment, match balls, sponsor logos, and advertising rights for stadiums and team kits.
Key Measures in the New Regulations
One of the primary measures concerns the use of unofficial match balls. Any team using non-CAF-approved balls now faces fines ranging from $30,000 to $40,000. This rule aims to ensure the use of approved equipment, maintaining consistency and quality on the pitch.
Additionally, clubs displaying unauthorized brands on their kits will also face penalties, with fines ranging from $40,000 to $100,000. This measure is designed to protect official sponsors and the integrity of CAF’s commercial agreements.
The regulations also introduce a new requirement for team captains. If a player wears a captain’s armband featuring an unauthorized brand, the club risks a fine of $15,000 to $60,000. This directive reflects CAF’s intent to strictly control visual elements that could detract from its partners’ branding.
Sanctions for Violating Broadcast Rights and Ticketing Obligations
Respect for broadcast rights is another critical area. Any breach of these rights could result in severe fines, including the complete forfeiture of the club’s earnings from the competition. This policy is designed to safeguard CAF’s broadcasting contracts and financial commitments.
Regarding ticketing, clubs are now required to provide tickets to CAF’s partner companies within set deadlines. Any delay will result in fines ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, and failure to deliver could lead to penalties of up to $90,000.
Restrictions on Sponsor Promotion
Clubs wishing to promote their own sponsors in connection with CAF competitions must seek prior approval. Without this authorization, they risk fines of $50,000 to $150,000. This measure aims to preserve the image and integrity of the competitions by avoiding conflicts with CAF’s official sponsors.
Finally, CAF has imposed strict restrictions on the unauthorized broadcast of match videos. Any attempt to air matches without permission will result in a $100,000 fine or the confiscation of the club’s competition earnings.
These new sanctions highlight CAF’s commitment to strengthening control over the commercial aspects of its competitions, protecting the interests of its partners and ensuring the organization’s integrity. Clubs are now required to strictly adhere to these regulations or face heavy fines that could significantly impact their participation in Africa’s top tournaments.
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