CAF to hold two-day workshop for Champions League and Confederation Cup clubs

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will organise a two-day workshop in Cairo, Egypt, to prepare qualified clubs for the group stages of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The workshop, scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2026, will bring together representatives of participating clubs to address key technical, administrative and operational requirements ahead of the start of the continental competitions.

The initiative will follow the interclub group stage draw, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. The draw will determine the opponents for the 16 qualified teams in each competition as they begin their quest for continental glory.

During the two-day programme, CAF officials will provide guidance on competition regulations, match organisation, refereeing procedures, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations, anti-doping requirements and the responsibilities of participating clubs.

The workshop will also address commercial regulations, television production, digital activities, media operations, stadium safety and security, disciplinary matters and professional football standards.

The sessions are expected to provide club officials with an opportunity to engage directly with CAF’s various departments, seek clarification on competition procedures and improve coordination before the group-stage matches begin.

The initiative forms part of CAF’s broader efforts under the leadership of president Dr Patrice Motsepe to strengthen professionalism, improve operational standards and enhance the financial sustainability of African club football.

As part of its commitment to developing the continent’s interclub competitions, CAF has significantly increased the financial rewards available to participating teams.

The winners of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League will receive a record $6 million, while the champions of the CAF Confederation Cup will earn $4 million.

CAF will also provide $100,000 to clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds to help cover travel and other logistical expenses associated with their participation in continental competitions.

The increased financial support is intended to improve the competitiveness of African club football, ease the financial burden on participating teams and create better opportunities for clubs across the continent.

Both competitions will feature 16 teams in the group stages, with each tournament divided into four groups of four clubs. The opening group-stage matches are scheduled to take place between November 27 and 29, 2026.

With the group-stage draw and the preparatory workshop taking place in Cairo, CAF aims to ensure that participating clubs understand the competition requirements and are adequately prepared for the challenges of the new continental campaign.