CAF has decided against changing the format of its leading club competitions for next season, despite recent discussions over expanding representation for Africa’s highest-ranked football nations.
The Confederation of African Football had been considering a proposal that would have allowed the continent’s top-ranked associations to enter as many as three or four clubs in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, instead of the current maximum of two.
However, the governing body will retain the existing structure for the forthcoming campaign, meaning qualification rules remain unchanged.
Under the current system, the 12 highest-ranked football associations in CAF’s five-year ranking each receive two places in both competitions. Those positions will continue to apply next season.
The nations currently occupying the top 12 places are Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mali, DR Congo, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania.
One of the most notable changes in the rankings has been Mali’s rise into the top 12 at the expense of Libya, which has dropped out of the qualification positions.
As a result, Mali will now be represented by two clubs in both CAF interclub competitions next season, marking a significant development for football in the country.
The decision to maintain the current format means domestic leagues across the continent will continue to battle for the same number of continental places as in previous years.
In Nigeria, competition for qualification remains intense as the domestic season approaches its conclusion.
Enugu Rangers and Rivers United currently occupy the top two positions in the Nigeria Premier Football League standings, which are the places reserved for CAF Champions League qualification.
Ikorodu City are in third position, a spot that secures qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. The country’s second Confederation Cup place will be awarded to the winner of the FA Cup.
Elsewhere, uncertainty is growing over the future continental involvement of Egyptian side Al Ahly.
The Cairo club, who have won the CAF Champions League a record 12 times, are currently third in the Egyptian Premier League standings, one point behind league leaders Pyramids FC.
Reports from Mohamed Shabana suggest Al Ahly could consider withdrawing from the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup if they finish the season in third place and fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The Egyptian league season is scheduled to conclude on 20 May.
The possibility of Africa’s most successful club missing out on the Champions League has already sparked widespread reaction among football supporters across the continent.
Al Ahly’s uncertain position has added further intrigue to the closing stages of the Egyptian title race, while CAF’s decision not to expand qualification places means competition for continental football is expected to remain fierce across Africa next season.
