CAF licensing portal opened to eight Egyptian clubs ahead of African competitions deadline

The Egyptian Football Association has notified eight domestic clubs that the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) online licensing system has been opened for them to upload documents required to secure eligibility for next season’s continental competitions.

According to a source within the Egyptian Football Association, the clubs have until 12:00 (local time) on Saturday, 25 July to complete all paperwork on CAF’s platform, in line with the governing body’s licensing regulations for participation in African tournaments in the 2026-27 season.

The source told FilGoal.com that the clubs contacted comprise the top seven finishers in the final Egyptian Premier League table, along with the runners-up in the Egypt Cup.

Those clubs are Zamalek, Pyramids, Al Ahly, Ceramica Cleopatra, Al Masry, Smouha and ENPPI – who occupied the top seven league positions – in addition to ZED, last season’s Egypt Cup runners-up.

Clubs instructed to upload full legal documentation

The Egyptian Football Association has instructed the eight clubs to upload responses and supporting documents relating to all rulings and decisions issued against them by the Players’ Status Committee and other competent judicial bodies at FIFA.

They have also been asked to provide documentation on any decisions handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as well as evidence of any legal steps the clubs have taken in those cases, including appeals or challenges.

All of these materials are required as part of the CAF-approved club licensing system, which assesses financial, legal, administrative and sporting compliance before granting approval to compete in CAF competitions.

CAF’s deadline for receiving and validating licensing applications for next season expires on Saturday, with the Egyptian clubs now working against the clock to ensure that every required document is uploaded via the continental body’s platform.

Zamalek stance on FIFA cases

Zamalek, one of the clubs notified to proceed on the CAF licensing system, has already moved publicly to reassure supporters over its position in relation to international legal cases.

Hesham Nasr, the club’s vice-president, had previously stated via the club’s application: “الزمالك انهى جميع قضايا فيفا الخاصة بالرخصة الافريقية واغلقنا ملفي اولكساندريا ونداي”.

His comments referenced the club’s efforts to close outstanding FIFA-related files specifically tied to its African licence, including the cases of Aleksandrija and N’Diaye.

CAF licensing criteria

CAF’s licensing framework obliges clubs to prove they are not subject to unresolved decisions that could compromise their participation, particularly in relation to overdue payables and disputes with players, coaches or other clubs.

The Egyptian Football Association source underlined that the requirement to disclose and document all FIFA, CAS and domestic rulings is part of CAF’s standard protocol, designed to ensure that any sanctions, appeals or settlements are clearly recorded before licences are granted.

With the deadline set for midday on Saturday, Zamalek, Pyramids, Al Ahly, Ceramica Cleopatra, Al Masry, Smouha, ENPPI and ZED must now finalise their submissions if they are to be cleared to represent Egypt in CAF competitions in the coming season.