CAF sets June 30 deadline for club licensing ahead of 2026/27 interclub competitions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially set June 30 as the deadline for all member associations to ensure their clubs obtain the necessary licenses to participate in the 2026/27 interclub competitions.

The directive affects teams targeting qualification for the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, both of which require strict compliance with the club licensing system before entry is granted.

CAF has outlined five key criteria clubs must meet in order to be eligible for participation. These include sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial requirements—standards designed to strengthen professionalism and ensure clubs operate within established regulatory frameworks across the continent.

In addition to club requirements, CAF has also reinforced coaching standards ahead of the new season. The continental governing body confirmed that all head coaches and assistant coaches involved in its interclub competitions must hold either a CAF A License or a CAF Pro License issued by a recognised football association.

The move is part of CAF’s ongoing efforts to raise technical and organisational standards within African club football, while ensuring that participating teams meet minimum benchmarks both on and off the pitch.

With the deadline now firmly in place, clubs across Africa face a race against time to meet the licensing conditions or risk missing out on continental football next season.