It is an imposing conundrum – to settle for short term success at the international level, or invest in the long term development of a domestic league. This is the trade-off faced by football federations across the African continent for decades.
On one side of the argument - producing and selling players at a young age to European giants, thus improving the national side with their experience while playing amongst the world's best players in Spain's La Liga and the German Bundesliga on a regular basis is guaranteed to put them in better stead come the World Cup or the AFCON.
But on the other hand, is it better to maintain players by investing in local leagues - the country's football infrastructure - not only influencing footballers to stay, but also an encouraging sponsorships of teams and players and buying of TV rights. Some have gone one way, while others prefer the latter; some have tried both methods - each with mixed fortunes.
Case Studies
Let's take a look at a couple of case studies, and where better to start than with Egypt - arguably the most historically proud African nation in football. With a league beginning in 1948, it took more than half a century and then some to secure a solid title sponsor – which happened when Etisalat Telecommunications arrived in 2005. Nevertheless, the revenue came as just a reward after seasons of developing and maintaining its indigenous talents. For example only three Egyptians can be found in English leagues currently – with only one in the top flight.
Therefore it comes as no surprise that over 80% of the national squad selected to face Senegal (in an AFCON 2015 qualifier) plied there trade in the Egyptian Premier League.
The Dilemma of African Football Economics
By Rob WT Jennings, UK