CAF is shaking up African football coaching with firm new rules that will reshape how clubs and national teams hire technical staff.
Starting this May, all coaches working in African club tournaments, the Women’s Champions League, and national teams must meet fresh certification standards approved by CAF’s Executive Bureau.
The new policy makes it clear: only licensed coaches will be allowed in team zones and on official duties during CAF matches. Clubs and national federations must ensure that any coach hired after the rollout date meets the new requirements.
However, there is a grace period for those already under contract before the 4 May ruling. They have until the close of the 2026/2027 season to secure the appropriate licence. CAF stresses that unqualified coaches under valid contracts must begin the certification process right away.
Failure to meet these conditions could result in bans from key match areas and being barred from registering as team officials, with further disciplinary action possible through CAF’s legal committees.
