Champs League, Conf. Cup group stage increased to 16 teams

CAF President Issa Hayatou has announced that the number of teams for the group stages of the Champions League and Confederation Cup will increase from eight to sixteen, effective 2017.

The reforms were one of the key highlights Hayatou’s speech in his address at the 38th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on Wednesday in Mexico City, Mexico.

In attendance was FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was at the supreme and legislative meeting of the continent’s football governing body for the first time since assuming the leadership of the world governing body.

This directive could come as a boost for Ghanaian clubs to chase for one of the increased slots.

The last time a Ghanaian club won the Champions League was 16 years ago by Hearts of Oak, who won the maiden edition of the Confederation Cup in 2004.