CAF committee recommends rejecting Egypt’s proposal to expand continental competitions

A proposal to increase the number of clubs competing in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup has suffered a significant setback after the Confederation of African Football’s competitions committee reportedly recommended that it be rejected.

The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abo Rida, had submitted a request to CAF seeking an additional qualification place for every member association following Africa’s impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

If approved, some of the continent’s highest-ranked associations would have been able to enter three clubs in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup from the preliminary stages.

Competitions committee raises objections

According to Moroccan outlet Al-Botola, a source within CAF said the competitions department reviewed the Egyptian proposal immediately after receiving it before recommending that it should not be adopted.

The source said the department prepared an official memorandum outlining its reservations and submitted it to CAF General Secretary Samson Adamu.

The report added that Adamu has since consulted CAF president Patrice Motsepe as discussions continue before an official response is sent to the Egyptian Football Association.

Final decision still pending

Despite the committee’s recommendation, the proposal has not yet been formally rejected.

Egyptian journalist Hany Hathout reported that the competitions committee’s opinion is advisory and that CAF’s Executive Committee will make the final decision on whether to approve or reject Egypt’s request.

Potential impact on African clubs

The proposal could have had significant implications for several of Africa’s leading clubs by increasing the number of qualification places available in CAF’s inter-club competitions.

As things stand, Zamalek and Pyramids are set to represent Egypt in the CAF Champions League, while Al Ahly will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.

For Morocco, Maghreb de Fès and RS Berkane are due to feature in the Champions League, with Raja qualifying for the Confederation Cup.

For now, however, the future format of CAF’s club competitions remains unchanged as the continent’s governing body considers whether to endorse or overturn the competitions committee’s recommendation.