CAF explains 2026/27 interclub draw procedures as Mamelodi Sundowns receive Champions League bye

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified the procedures for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round draws, confirming the clubs that have been granted exemptions from the opening stage of the competitions.

In the Champions League, three clubs have been given automatic qualification to the second preliminary round, meaning they will not participate in the first preliminary phase.

Among those benefiting from the exemption are defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns FC, who will begin their title defence at a later stage of the qualification process.

The decision follows CAF’s competition format, which allows selected clubs to bypass the first preliminary round based on factors including their continental ranking and previous performances in CAF competitions.

Meanwhile, eight clubs have been exempted from the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

One of the changes in the Confederation Cup draw involves Kaizer Chiefs FC, who have been included in place of AS Otohô after CAF rejected the Congolese club’s participation.

CAF regulations state that clubs from countries whose domestic leagues or national cup competitions have not been played for more than one year are not eligible to compete in the Champions League or Confederation Cup.

Congo Brazzaville’s failure to organise a league season within the required period resulted in AS Otohô losing their place in the competition, paving the way for Kaizer Chiefs to enter the draw.

The preliminary round draws will determine the early qualification paths for clubs across Africa as they compete for places in the group stages of Africa’s premier club competitions.

The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup remain the continent’s biggest club tournaments, attracting the leading teams from across Africa and offering significant financial rewards and international exposure.

With the exemptions now confirmed, clubs involved in the first preliminary rounds can begin preparations for their opening fixtures as CAF moves closer to the start of the 2026/27 interclub season.