The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee, chaired by CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe, convened a virtual meeting on Friday, 2 October 2026, to discuss key issues affecting African football. During the meeting, the committee approved a series of changes to its interclub competitions and confirmed important dates for CAF events between 2026 and 2030. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility to clubs and streamline disciplinary processes. The new regulations will come into effect immediately, impacting the upcoming 2026 season.
One of the significant changes approved by the CAF Executive Committee concerns player registration and eligibility in CAF interclub competitions. Players will now be allowed to represent more than one club during the same CAF interclub season. Additionally, each club is permitted to have a maximum of 40 players registered at any point during the season. This change is expected to give clubs greater flexibility in managing their squads. Clubs will also be allowed to replace up to four players during the final registration period, provided those players have not featured in any CAF interclub match during the season.
The Executive Committee also approved changes to the handling of disciplinary cases in CAF interclub competitions. All disciplinary matters arising from these competitions will now be referred to the Disciplinary Board, removing that responsibility from the Interclub Committee. This change aims to streamline the disciplinary process and ensure consistency in the application of regulations. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on the overall organization and fairness of CAF interclub competitions.
CAF has confirmed the 2026 competitions calendar, providing member associations, clubs, and other stakeholders with greater certainty when planning for CAF competitions and other events over the coming years. The calendar includes key events such as the 2026 CAF Awards, which will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 7 December. Nigeria will also host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Saturday, 21 November 2026. These events will bring together key stakeholders in African football to discuss important issues and recognize outstanding achievements.
The CAF Executive Committee received an update on preparations for the CAF Strategy Conference, which will be held in Sal, Cabo Verde, from 7 to 9 October. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of African football and develop strategies to promote the sport on the continent. Additionally, CAF has approved the dates for the 2026 Women's Champions League, which will be played from 1 to 15 November 2026. The competition will feature some of the leading women's clubs on the continent.
Senegal, the reigning champions, will host the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 28 November to 6 December 2026. This will give Senegal the opportunity to defend its continental title on home soil. The event is expected to attract top beach soccer teams from across Africa and promote the sport in the region.
The latest decisions form part of CAF's wider efforts to provide greater clarity around its competition calendar and regulations, while introducing more flexibility for clubs participating in its interclub competitions. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on the development of African football, promoting fairness, transparency, and competitiveness. CAF continues to work towards achieving its goals and promoting the sport across the continent.
Key points
- CAF introduces changes to player registration and eligibility in interclub competitions
- The 2026 CAF Awards will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December
- Senegal to host the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations from 28 November to 6 December
