Despite recent discussions surrounding a possible expansion of club representation for Africa’s highest-ranked football nations, CAF will not make any changes to the format of the Champions League and Confederation Cup for next season.
CAF had reportedly been reviewing a proposal that could have significantly reshaped its interclub competitions by allowing the continent’s top 12 ranked football associations to enter three or even four clubs instead of the current limit of two.
However, the proposal will not be implemented for the upcoming campaign, meaning the existing qualification structure remains unchanged.
As a result, the 12 highest-ranked football associations in CAF’s five-year ranking system will continue to have two representatives each in both interclub competitions.
The nations currently occupying the top 12 positions are Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mali, DR Congo, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania.
Mali recently moved into the top 12 rankings, replacing Libya, which has now dropped out of the qualification positions.
Mali’s rise in the rankings means the country will now have two clubs competing in both CAF interclub competitions next season.
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In Nigeria, the race for continental qualification remains highly competitive.
Enugu Rangers and Rivers United currently occupy the top two positions in the NPFL standings, the places reserved for CAF Champions League qualification.
Ikorodu City currently sit third, a position that qualifies for the Confederation Cup, while the second Confederation Cup ticket will go to the winner of the FA Cup competition.
Meanwhile, there is growing uncertainty surrounding the participation of Egyptian giants Al Ahly in next season’s CAF competitions.
The record 12-time CAF Champions League winners are currently third in the Egyptian Premier League table, one point behind league leaders Pyramids FC.
According to reports from Mohamed Shabana, Al Ahly could consider withdrawing from the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup if they finish the season in third place.
The Egyptian season is expected to conclude on May 20.
The possibility of Africa’s most successful club missing out on the Champions League has already generated widespread reactions across the continent.
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