CAF confirms VAR for Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages

Moroccan clubs competing in Africa have received a boost after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that video assistant referee (VAR) technology will be used from the group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

CAF interim secretary general Samson Adamu confirmed the decision, meaning the technology will be available in both continental club competitions once the group stage begins.

The move will be significant for Morocco’s representatives, several of whom are currently battling through the preliminary rounds in a bid to reach the main phase of the tournaments.

🚨OFFICIAL: CAF Interim General Secretary Samson Adamu confirms that there will be VAR from group stages in this season’s CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. #SABCSport411 | @AFC_2025 | @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/hZ3ZpoKcta

— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) October 9, 2026

Moroccan clubs chase group-stage places

In the CAF Champions League, Morocco is represented by Maghreb de Fès and RS Berkane, who are competing in the final preliminary round for places in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca and AS FAR are representing the country in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they are also seeking to progress beyond the preliminary rounds.

All four clubs will be hoping to secure qualification and benefit from the introduction of VAR as the continental campaigns progress.

VAR set to feature in both competitions

The decision means VAR will be used in the group stages of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup this season.

The technology is designed to help match officials review key incidents, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.