CAF to pay $100,000 to clubs eliminated before 2026/27 group stages

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to provide $100,000 to every club that failed to qualify for the group stages of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The initiative represents a new financial support measure for clubs eliminated during the preliminary rounds of Africa’s two major inter-club competitions.

The funding is expected to help affected clubs offset some of the expenses incurred during their continental campaigns and support the continued development of their football operations.

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has been credited for the initiative, which offers financial assistance to clubs that would otherwise miss out on the group-stage phase and its associated rewards.

For many clubs, early elimination from continental competition can create financial pressure, with teams having to meet travel, accommodation, player welfare and other operational costs without the benefit of progressing further in the tournament.

The $100,000 payment could therefore provide some relief, helping clubs manage their immediate expenses while continuing to invest in their squads and long-term development.

The move also offers an opportunity for clubs from across the continent to benefit from CAF’s financial support, regardless of whether they advance to the latter stages of the competitions.

Champions League group-stage teams confirmed

Meanwhile, the 16 clubs that will compete in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage have been confirmed following the conclusion of the second preliminary round.

The qualified teams include former African champions Espérance, Zamalek, MC Alger and Orlando Pirates, alongside defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns’ fellow continental contenders Pyramids FC, RS Berkane and Al Hilal Omdurman.

The full list of qualified clubs is:

• Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)
• Club Africain (Tunisia)
• Colombe Sportive (Cameroon)
• Espérance (Tunisia)
• FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania)
• Horoya AC (Guinea)
• MAS de Fès (Morocco)
• MC Alger (Algeria)
• Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
• Petro Atlético (Angola)
• Pyramids FC (Egypt)
• RS Berkane (Morocco)
• Simba SC (Tanzania)
• Wiliete SC (Angola)
• Young Africans (Tanzania)
• Zamalek SC (Egypt)

The draw for the group stage is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Confederation Cup group-stage teams

The 16-team group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup has also been confirmed, with clubs from across Africa securing their places after the preliminary rounds.

The qualified teams are:

• USM Alger (Algeria)
• Red Arrows FC (Zambia)
• C.D. Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
• Raja Club Athletic (Morocco)
• Azam FC (Tanzania)
• Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya)
• Associação Black Bulls (Mozambique)
• CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
• AS Real Bamako (Mali)
• AS Maniema Union (DR Congo)
• Durban City FC (South Africa)
• ASKO Kara (Togo)
• Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)
• AS FAR (Morocco)
• Al Ahly SC (Egypt)

The financial support initiative is expected to be welcomed by clubs that fall short of the group stage, as CAF continues to look at ways of supporting the wider development of African football beyond the teams that progress in its flagship competitions.