The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced new coaching requirements that will take effect this month, as part of efforts to raise the standards of coaching across the continent.
The changes, approved by the CAF Executive Committee, apply to all African club competitions, the CAF Women’s Champions League, and national teams of its member associations.
Koora, who reported the news, has not indicated the cut of requirement by CAF.
Under the new guidelines, coaches without the necessary licenses must immediately begin the process of obtaining the required certifications.
However, a grace period has been granted for those already under contract or hired before the announcement on May 4, 2025.
These coaches will have until the end of the 2026/2027 season to comply with the updated requirements.
CAF has also made it clear that any clubs or national teams seeking to appoint new coaches after the effective date of the regulations must ensure that their hires meet the updated qualification standards.
This includes checking that the coaches possess the necessary credentials, though the transition period will still apply to those already under contract before the decision was made.
Failure to meet these new standards will come with significant consequences. Coaches who do not obtain the required licenses within the stipulated timeframe will be barred from accessing the “1 and 2” technical zones within stadiums during official CAF matches.
They will also be prohibited from registering as team officials or participating in any official team activities, which could further hinder their careers.
CAF has warned that additional disciplinary actions may be taken against coaches who fail to comply, including possible referral to the governing body’s judicial bodies.
This step underscores CAF’s commitment to enhancing the quality of coaching and overall football management in Africa, aligning it with global standards.
The move is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the quality of African football, ensuring that players at all levels benefit from the highest standards of coaching, while also raising the profile of the continent’s competitions on the global stage.
