ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the basic information on football clubs in Africa while recognizing differences that exist among clubs. It is meant to introduce a stranger to how football clubs are organized on the continent. The chapter begins by discussing how the elite leagues are structured and the various problems associated with the league, such as financial issues and great travel distances. Some of the unique issues lead to the short life cycle of football clubs. The chapter also examines the relationship between African football and the media, particularly in the comparative era of state ownership of media and postliberalization. Also discussed are sponsorship issues, which often and in many ways help differentiate between clubs that historically dominate football in their country and others that make up the elite leagues.
