The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced new coaching requirements for all clubs and national teams.
The rules cover men’s and women’s competitions, including the CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup, Women’s Champions League, and all African Cup of Nations tournaments.
Under the new system all coaches must hold the required CAF license. Coaches without certification must comply immediately.
Those with contracts signed before the rules have a two-season grace period covering 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. Newly appointed coaches must meet the requirements at the time of hiring.
For women’s competitions, either the head coach or the assistant coach must be a woman.
The required licenses vary by competition:
Men’s senior competitions: head coach CAF A or CAF Pro; assistant coach CAF A.
Women’s senior competitions: head coach CAF A; assistant coach CAF B.
Men’s youth competitions (U17, U20, U23): head coach CAF A; assistant coach CAF B.
Women’s youth competitions: head coach CAF B; assistant coach CAF C.
Photo Credit: Ademola Victor/X
CAF warned that non-compliance could lead to stadium access restrictions, exclusion from official activities, non-registration as team officials, and possible referral to CAF Judicial Bodies.
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CAF will organize CAF Pro Coaching Licence courses directly to help coaches obtain the required certification.
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The confederation said the new rules are designed to professionalize coaching across African football and ensure all clubs and national teams meet international standards.
