Benin’s Coton FC explain decision to pull out of CAF competition

Coton FC have announced that they will not take part in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup despite earning qualification through their second-place finish in the 2025-26 Benin league season.

The club, based in Ouidah, confirmed the decision in a statement released on Tuesday, explaining that it had chosen to focus on strengthening its long-term sporting project rather than competing in continental competition next season.

The announcement comes as a surprise given the significance of qualification for African club tournaments, but the club insists the move is part of a broader strategic vision.

In its statement, Coton FC outlined the reasons behind the decision and stressed that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as a lack of ambition.

“ This carefully considered decision reflects a desire to continue building a solid, sustainable, and ambitious sporting project.

The management has chosen to dedicate this period to a strategic overhaul, notably through a review of the club’s roster, an optimization of its sporting organization, and the establishment of the necessary foundations to achieve its future objectives.

This direction in no way reflects a lack of ambition. On the contrary, it reflects the club’s desire to build a more competitive model, capable of meeting the demands of the highest level and proudly representing its colors on the national and international stages, ” the statement reads.

The club’s leadership believes that taking time to reorganise key aspects of its structure will better position the team for future success.

Among the priorities highlighted are a review of the playing squad, improvements to the sporting organisation and the implementation of measures designed to support long-term growth.

Coton FC finished as runners-up in the Beninese top flight during the 2025-26 campaign, a result that secured a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

However, the club has decided that its immediate focus should be on internal development rather than continental competition.

The statement suggests that management sees this period as an opportunity to lay stronger foundations and create a more sustainable model capable of competing at a higher level in the future.

While supporters may be disappointed to miss out on seeing the club compete on the African stage, the leadership maintains that the decision was made with the club’s long-term interests in mind.

For now, Coton FC’s attention will turn towards restructuring and preparation for the next phase of its development, with the ambition of returning stronger both domestically and internationally in the years ahead.