The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the enforcement of new coaching qualification requirements for all national teams and clubs participating in its competitions.
This is a major step aimed at elevating coaching standards and aligning African football with global best practices.
Under the revised regulations, head coaches and assistant coaches involved in CAF-sanctioned competitions must now possess a CAF A Licence or CAF Pro Licence, or an equivalent certification from another football confederation.
The new rule applies to the following tournaments:
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – Men’s and Women’s (Qualifiers & Finals)
CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
CAF Super Cup
Men’s U17, U20, and U23 AFCON
Women’s U17 and U20 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
CAF Women’s Champions League
Women’s Youth Club Competitions (where applicable)
Grace Period and Penalties
CAF has granted a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season for coaches hired before May 4, 2025, allowing them to obtain the required licence.
However, newly appointed coaches must already hold the appropriate certification before assuming their roles.
Failure to comply will attract strict sanctions, including:
Denial of access to technical areas (Zones 1 and 2) during CAF matches
Ineligibility for official team registration as a coach
Prohibition from taking part in official team duties
Possible referral to CAF Judicial Bodies for disciplinary measures
The new directive underscores CAF’s determination to professionalize football management across the continent.
Clubs and national associations are now fully responsible for ensuring their technical staff meet these licensing standards or face potential sanctions.
CAF’s message is unambiguous: raise the bar or risk exclusion.
