Champions League Expansion Put On Hold By CAF

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected a proposal to increase the number of CAF Champions League slots for the continent’s highest-ranked football associations in the 2026/27 season.

The proposal was submitted by the Egyptian Football Association. It sought to increase the allocation for the top 12 ranked member associations from two places to three.

CAF acknowledged receiving the request. However, its Competitions Department ruled that the proposal could not be implemented before the new season.

The governing body said there was insufficient time to amend the regulations governing its interclub competitions. It also noted that participation quotas for the 2026/27 campaign had already been communicated to all member associations.

The decision means the current qualification format will remain unchanged for the upcoming season.

Despite rejecting the proposal, CAF did not dismiss the idea entirely. Officials indicated that the suggestion could be revisited after the current competition cycle.

Sources close to the discussions said the proposal has attracted support from some members of the CAF Executive Committee, particularly from North Africa.

However, representatives from parts of Central and West Africa are yet to receive full briefings on the proposed changes.

The matter is now considered closed for the 2026/27 season. Any future debate is expected to focus on reforms that could take effect from the 2027/28 campaign.

CAF’s decision provides certainty for clubs and national associations as preparations continue for another edition of Africa’s premier club competition.