CAF sets provisional date for Champions League and Confederation Cup draws

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has provisionally scheduled the draws for the next editions of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, FilGoal.com has learned.

According to information obtained by FilGoal.com, CAF has settled on an initial timeframe for holding the two draws, which will determine the qualifying rounds and group-stage paths for clubs across the continent in both competitions.

The proposed date, which remains subject to final confirmation from CAF’s competitions committee, has been communicated informally to a number of national associations and participating clubs to help them prepare administratively and logistically for the new African club season.

The planning comes as CAF works to align its inter-club competitions calendar with both domestic league schedules and FIFA’s international match windows, ensuring minimal disruption for clubs and national teams.

The CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup are the continent’s two main club tournaments, featuring leading sides from across Africa. The draws will set the stage for the preliminary rounds, where clubs begin their campaigns in pursuit of qualification to the lucrative group phase.

While CAF has not yet issued an official public announcement, the initial timetable is expected to be confirmed once all remaining administrative procedures are completed and any outstanding logistical details are resolved.

The draws will again be conducted at CAF’s headquarters, with representatives of clubs and national associations expected to attend in person or follow via live broadcast, as has been the case in recent seasons.

CAF has recently intensified its efforts to finalise competition schedules earlier, to give clubs greater clarity over travel planning, squad registration deadlines and stadium approvals ahead of the start of the continental season.

The CAF Champions League remains the most prestigious club competition in Africa, with the CAF Confederation Cup acting as the secondary tournament but still offering significant sporting and financial rewards to participating teams.

Both competitions are also tied to qualification for the CAF Super Cup, which pits the winners of the Champions League against the Confederation Cup holders in a one-off match organised by CAF.

Further details on the exact date, time and procedural arrangements for the draws are expected to be published on CAF’s official platforms once the provisional schedule receives final approval.