CAF set to discuss major reforms in Johannesburg on Wednesday

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to deliberate on a wide range of reforms aimed at shaping the future of the game across the continent, with President Patrice Motsepe expected to lead a series of high-level meetings before addressing the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The discussions are expected to focus on key strategic issues affecting African football, from infrastructure development and competition formats to player development and governance.

Among the headline topics is an ambitious infrastructure programme that could see the reconstruction of 30 stadiums across less-developed African countries.

The initiative forms part of CAF’s broader vision to improve football infrastructure and ensure more member associations are capable of hosting international competitions that meet the required standards.

Safety and security will also feature prominently on the agenda, with CAF expected to consider the introduction of enhanced standards for all its competitions.

The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening matchday operations, improving crowd management and ensuring a safer environment for players, officials and supporters.

Another significant proposal comes from Cameroon, which has suggested the introduction of an African Nations League system based on continental rankings.

If approved, the competition would provide national teams with more meaningful competitive fixtures outside the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.

CAF will also discuss the possibility of creating separate African Nations League competitions for Under-17 and Under-23 national teams. Such tournaments are viewed as potential platforms to accelerate youth development by providing emerging talents with regular high-level international competition.

Club football is also expected to receive considerable attention during the meetings. Officials are set to examine possible changes to the formats of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup as the governing body continues to explore ways of improving the competitiveness, commercial appeal and overall quality of its flagship inter-club competitions.

The ongoing debate surrounding club registration deadlines is another issue expected to be addressed. CAF has confirmed that, as it stands, there will be no extension beyond the July 25 deadline for clubs participating in its competitions.

Member associations have been instructed to submit all club licensing documentation before the deadline. However, CAF has indicated that individual exemption requests may still be considered on a case-by-case basis where justified.

The meetings are also expected to include updates on preparations for the 2027 and 2028 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, with CAF likely to provide further clarity on planning and organisational progress for the continental showpieces.

Motsepe is scheduled to outline the outcomes of the discussions and provide updates on the various proposals during a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where he is expected to address several pressing matters concerning the future direction of African football.

The meetings are widely regarded as some of the most significant on CAF’s calendar this year, with decisions taken expected to influence the governance, structure and long-term development of football across the African continent.