CAF to hold Cairo workshop for clubs ahead of 2026-27 Champions League and Confederation Cup

CAF will hold a two-day workshop for clubs in Cairo on Thursday and Friday, 29 and 30 October, as preparations continue for the group stages of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The meeting will take place one day after the group-stage draws, which are scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October, at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo. The draw will reveal the opponents for 16 clubs in each competition.

Representatives will be briefed on the regulations governing both tournaments, match organisation, refereeing and the procedures for implementing the video assistant referee (VAR) system.

The agenda will also cover anti-doping requirements and the responsibilities of participating clubs, alongside commercial regulations, television production, digital activity and media operations.

Safety and security measures at stadiums, disciplinary matters and professionalism in football will also be discussed during the workshop.

The event is intended to give club officials direct access to the relevant CAF departments. It will allow the clubs to clarify the procedures applying to the two competitions and improve coordination before the group stages begin.

The workshop is part of CAF’s wider efforts, under president Patrice Motsepe, to strengthen professionalism, raise operational standards and promote financial sustainability among football clubs across the continent.

CAF has increased the prize money available in both competitions. The CAF Champions League winners will receive $6m, a record amount, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4m.

The governing body will also provide $100,000 to clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds. The funding is intended to help cover travel and logistical expenses and support clubs competing in continental competitions.

The group stage of each tournament will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups of four.

The opening round of group-stage matches is scheduled to take place between 27 and 29 November 2026.