CAF extends club licensing deadline to July 25 ahead of 2026/27 continental competitions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially extended the deadline for club licensing applications from June 30 to July 25, giving clubs across the continent additional time to complete the mandatory requirements ahead of next season’s interclub competitions.

CAF communicated the decision to all its Member Associations through an official correspondence, confirming the revised timeline for the submission of club licensing documentation.

The extension comes as a significant relief for several clubs that have been racing against time to meet the stringent licensing criteria required for participation in CAF’s continental tournaments, including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Under CAF’s club licensing system, participating clubs are required to satisfy a comprehensive set of standards covering sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal and financial criteria. The licensing process is designed to enhance professionalism, improve governance and ensure clubs possess the necessary structures to compete at the highest level of African football.

By extending the deadline by nearly a month, CAF aims to provide Member Associations and clubs with sufficient time to finalize outstanding documentation and address any compliance issues that may have delayed their applications.

The move is expected to benefit a number of clubs across the continent, particularly those still working to meet infrastructure and administrative requirements ahead of the 2026/27 continental football season.

Club licensing remains a mandatory prerequisite for participation in CAF competitions, with national football associations tasked with assessing and approving applications before forwarding qualified clubs for continental registration.

The new deadline of July 25 now becomes the final window for clubs seeking to secure their eligibility for Africa’s premier club competitions next season.