CAF shakes up interclub rules with 40-player squads and end of cup-tied restriction

CAF has expanded the squad registration limit for clubs competing in its Interclub competitions from the previous cap, allowing teams to register up to 40 players as part of a series of regulatory changes designed to give clubs greater flexibility during the continental season.

The Confederation of African Football’s revised framework provides coaches with a larger pool of players to manage the demands of domestic and continental football, while also introducing changes to player replacements and eligibility.

CAF raises squad limit to 40

The new 40-player limit gives clubs more room to build squads capable of handling demanding schedules across multiple competitions.

Teams involved in CAF’s Interclub competitions often have to combine domestic league and cup commitments with continental fixtures, while also dealing with extensive travel across Africa. The expanded registration allowance provides coaches with additional options when managing their squads through congested periods of the season.

The change could also help clubs deal with injuries and fatigue, particularly during the latter stages of continental competitions when matches become more frequent and the physical demands increase.

With 40 players available for registration, clubs can maintain greater depth across different positions without being as heavily dependent on a smaller core of players throughout the campaign.

The regulation is expected to give teams more flexibility in squad planning while reducing the consequences of long-term injuries and player unavailability.

Four players can be replaced

CAF has also introduced a four-player replacement window during the final registration period of the season.

Under the new provision, clubs can replace up to four players from their registered squads. However, the rule comes with a significant restriction.

Any player being replaced must not have appeared in a CAF Interclub match during the same campaign. In other words, a player who has already taken part in the competition cannot simply be removed from the squad and replaced by another player for the knockout stages.

The provision instead allows clubs to make changes involving players who have remained unused in the continental campaign.

This could prove particularly useful for clubs dealing with injuries to players who have not featured in CAF competition or those who have signed players earlier in the season but later decide to strengthen those positions with new additions.

The replacement mechanism therefore provides clubs with an opportunity to refresh parts of their squads without affecting the eligibility of players who have already participated in the competition.

CAF abolishes cup-tied restriction

One of the most significant changes concerns the traditional cup-tied rule.

CAF has removed the restriction that previously prevented a player from representing another club in the same Interclub campaign after featuring for a different participating team.

Under the revised regulations, a player can now move between two clubs competing in CAF Interclub competitions during the same season and remain eligible for his new team.

That means a player who features for one club during the preliminary or group stages can subsequently transfer to another participating club during the mid-season or winter transfer window and play for his new side.

The change could have a major effect on the continental transfer market, particularly for clubs looking to strengthen their squads during the season.

It also gives players greater freedom when considering moves between clubs involved in CAF competitions, removing a restriction that could previously complicate mid-season transfers.

72-hour deadline remains

Despite the increased flexibility, CAF has retained strict administrative requirements for player registration.

Clubs must complete the registration of any new player at least 72 hours before the scheduled kick-off of the relevant match for that player to be eligible.

The deadline means teams cannot wait until the last moment to complete the administrative process and expect newly signed players to feature immediately.

CAF has also maintained its matchday bench structure, with clubs permitted to name nine substitutes and nine members of the technical staff.

The expanded bench allows coaches to make full use of their squad depth, particularly with the five-substitution rule in place.