The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected a proposal from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to increase the number of Egyptian clubs competing in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
The EFA had formally requested a revision of the qualification system, proposing that the top 12-ranked CAF member associations each receive three places in the Champions League instead of the current allocation.
Proposal rejected for 2026/27
CAF confirmed that it reviewed the request through its Competitions Department but concluded that the proposed change could not be implemented for the upcoming season.
According to the governing body, several factors influenced the decision, including the limited time before the competition begins and the fact that the regulations governing CAF’s interclub competitions cannot be amended at this stage.
CAF also noted that all member associations have already been informed of their qualification quotas for the 2026/27 season, making any immediate changes impractical.
Possible reform from 2027/28
While rejecting the proposal for next season, CAF did not rule out the possibility of future changes.
The Competitions Department indicated that the request could be examined as part of a broader review of the competition format ahead of the 2027/28 campaign.
Mixed support within CAF
Reports indicate that the Egyptian FA’s proposal received backing from several CAF Executive Committee members from North Africa, who believe the continent’s strongest-performing football nations should be granted greater representation in CAF competitions.
However, other Executive Committee members, particularly from Central and West Africa, are yet to receive a full briefing on the proposal and its potential implications for the continental qualification system.
Current format remains
For now, CAF has confirmed that the existing qualification structure will remain in place for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, ending any prospect of additional Egyptian representation next season.
The issue is expected to be revisited during discussions on possible competition reforms ahead of the 2027/28 season.
Egypt remains one of Africa’s leading club football nations, with teams such as Al Ahly and Zamalek consistently competing at the highest level of continental football.
