CAF rule changes give Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns greater squad flexibility

Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will need to adjust to new Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations after amendments to the organisation’s interclub competitions were approved.

The changes, covering player registration, squad sizes and disciplinary procedures, will apply during the 2026-2030 period.

CAF’s Executive Committee, chaired by president Dr Patrice Motsepe, approved the amendments at a virtual meeting on 1 October.

The most significant change allows a player to represent more than one club in the same CAF interclub season. This gives clubs greater flexibility when signing players who have already appeared for another team in the competition.

Under the revised regulations, each club may register a maximum of 40 players at any point during the season.

Clubs will also be allowed to replace four players during the final registration period, provided those players have not featured in any CAF interclub matches.

The changes are particularly relevant to Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who are both competing in CAF competitions this season. The increased registration allowance could give the South African clubs more options as their continental campaigns progress.

Mamelodi Sundowns are also among the South African clubs required to adapt to the new regulations.

Disciplinary process changed

CAF has also transferred responsibility for all disciplinary matters to its Disciplinary Board.

Those cases were previously handled by the Interclub Committee. The change means disciplinary decisions arising during CAF interclub competitions will now be referred to the Disciplinary Board, including matters involving South African clubs.

The Executive Committee also confirmed that the CAF Awards 2026 will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December.