CAF rejects Congo clubs’ 2026/27 interclub entries; Kaizer Chiefs receive Confederation Cup bye

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected Congo’s request to register clubs for the 2026/27 CAF Interclub competitions after determining that the country’s domestic football activities do not meet the required participation regulations.

Congo had submitted applications to enter TAC Léopards de Dolisie in the CAF Champions League and AS Otoho in the CAF Confederation Cup.

However, CAF turned down the request after confirming that the country’s national league and cup competitions had not been played within the period required by its regulations.

According to CAF’s interclub competition rules, clubs from a member association cannot participate in the Champions League or Confederation Cup if their national championship or national cup competition has not been organised for more than one year.

The decision means Congo will not have representatives in the 2026/27 CAF club competitions, leaving the affected slots to be adjusted in the preliminary round draws.

One of the major beneficiaries of CAF’s decision is South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, who have now been granted a bye in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The club will no longer participate in the first preliminary round and will instead begin their continental campaign in the second preliminary round, giving them additional time to prepare for their return to African competition.

CAF’s decision continues the governing body’s efforts to ensure that participating clubs come from leagues operating under recognised domestic football structures and meet the minimum administrative and sporting requirements for continental competitions.

The 2026/27 CAF Interclub season is expected to feature some of Africa’s biggest clubs competing for continental honours, with the Champions League and Confederation Cup remaining the continent’s premier club tournaments.