Togo’s ASCK pulls out of CAF Champions League

Togo’s ASCK. Photo Credit: Togo Foot

Association Sportive des Conducteurs de la Kozah (ASC Kara) has confirmed their withdrawal from the 2025/26 CAF Champions League due to financial difficulties.

The Togolese Championnat National de Première Division champions cited the huge financial burden of the continental tournament as the reason for their withdrawal.

According to Togo Foot, the club’s manager, Jean Marie Eloh, stated that it is beyond their capacity to take part in the Champions League.

“We are not going to commit to the Champions League. We want to focus on training young people. We have no sponsors or partners, and the only person we have is our president, who is bleeding himself dry to invest,” said Eloh.

Eloh further noted that the high cost of competing in the Champions League means ASCK will focus more on the domestic league than try to compete in the continental tournament.

“ASCK recognises the heavy investment that a continental campaign requires, both logistically and technically. Running a Champions League campaign requires heavy investment.”

Second-placed Gbohloé-su des Lacs were initially set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, but the recent decision by Kara will now prompt the Togolese Football Federation to find new representatives for the Champions League campaign.

African clubs often face difficulties participating in the Champions League and Confederation Cup due to rising airfare prices and accommodation costs.