The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a major overhaul of its coaching regulations. The new rules aim to raise technical standards across African football. They will apply to all CAF inter-club competitions, the CAF Women’s Champions League, and national teams under CAF’s jurisdiction.
CAF has made these requirements mandatory. Coaches without the required certifications must adjust their qualifications to match the new framework.
Stricter Licensing and a Grace Period
CAF will give coaches with existing contracts a two-season grace period. This period covers the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. During this time, coaches must obtain the necessary licenses.
However, the grace period does not apply to new hires. CAF clarified that any coach appointed after the policy’s introduction must meet the licensing criteria immediately.
Gender Inclusion in Women’s Football
CAF has also introduced a gender inclusion mandate for women’s football. For the CAF Women’s Champions League, either the head coach or assistant coach must be a woman. This move aims to increase female representation in technical roles and align with global standards for sports governance.
Compliance and Sanctions
CAF warned that failure to comply would result in serious sanctions. Penalties may include denial of access to restricted stadium areas, refusal of team registration, exclusion from team activities, or other sporting measures. Severe breaches could lead to further disciplinary action by CAF’s judicial bodies.
The CAF Pro Coaching Licence
The highest qualification in this new system is the CAF Pro Coaching Licence. CAF will directly administer this license to ensure consistency across the continent. This central oversight will guarantee uniform coaching standards for African football.
Looking Ahead
CAF’s new regulations are a significant step toward improving coaching in Africa. The changes reflect CAF’s commitment to enhancing the quality of football across the continent and ensuring coaches are well-qualified to elevate the performance of African teams at every level.
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