CAF Confirms No Expansion for Club Competitions Despite Packed 2025/26 Calendar

CAF has ruled out expanding the Champions League or Confederation Cup formats for the 2025/26 season, citing an already congested schedule that must accommodate the upcoming CHAN tournament in East Africa and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Any increase in participating teams would necessitate extra qualifying rounds, more matchdays and extensions to domestic calendars, a challenge CAF is unwilling to take on at this stage.

In administrative news, DR Congo’s General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba is set to be replaced by Nigeria’s Samson Adamu - CAF’s Director of Competitions - who will oversee tournament draws for AFCON, the Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

Adamu’s appointment is expected to enhance coordination between technical committees and member associations during a season packed with continental and global fixtures.

Key Considerations

Calendar Constraints: Group stages and knockouts for CAF’s two club tournaments span August 2025 to May 2026, leaving no room for added matches.

Major Tournaments: CHAN and AFCON collectively account for over 58 matchdays and require significant logistical support across multiple host nations.

Future Expansion: Any format overhaul is deferred until after AFCON 2027, allowing CAF to assess the impact of back-to-back events and Europe’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup on African football schedules.

While expansion remains a long-term ambition, CAF’s priority is delivering the 2025/26 competitions at the highest standard without overburdening players or national associations.