CAF Introduces New Coaching Rules for Clubs and National Teams
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced new coaching requirements for all clubs and national teams across Africa.
The new rules apply to men’s and women’s competitions, including the CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup, Women’s Champions League, and all Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Under the new system, all coaches must hold the required CAF coaching licence. Coaches who do not have the certification must comply immediately. However, coaches who signed their contracts before the new rules were introduced will have a two-season grace period for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. Newly appointed coaches must meet the requirements at the time of their appointment.
For women’s competitions, either the head coach or the assistant coach must be a woman.
CAF also listed the required licences for each competition. In men’s senior competitions, the head coach must have a CAF A or CAF Pro licence, while the assistant coach must have a CAF A licence. In women’s senior competitions, the head coach must have a CAF A licence and the assistant coach must have a CAF B licence. In men’s youth competitions (U17, U20 and U23), the head coach must have a CAF A licence and the assistant coach must have a CAF B licence. In women’s youth competitions, the head coach must have a CAF B licence and the assistant coach must have a CAF C licence.
CAF warned that teams who fail to comply could face sanctions, including restricted access to stadiums, exclusion from official activities, non-registration of team officials, and possible referral to CAF Judicial Bodies.
The confederation said it will organise CAF Pro Coaching Licence courses to help coaches obtain the required certification. CAF added that the new rules are aimed at professionalising coaching in African football and ensuring that clubs and national teams meet international standards.
