Fans of African club football have been warned not to expect every CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary round match to be broadcast live, with the responsibility for arranging coverage resting on the home teams at this stage of the competitions.
The clarification comes just days before the opening preliminary round fixtures of the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season, with Nigeria’s representatives among those preparing for continental action.
CAF’s preliminary rounds begin this weekend, with the first legs scheduled for 4-6 September in the Champions League and across the opening stages of the Confederation Cup. The return fixtures will follow between 11 and 13 September.
According to the latest clarification from Confederation of African Football, home teams are responsible for reaching agreements with broadcasters and arranging live coverage of their matches during the preliminary rounds.
That means some games could be unavailable on television or online, while others may be streamed with varying levels of picture quality.
Fans have consequently been urged not to automatically blame CAF if they cannot find a live broadcast of their club’s match.
Nigerian clubs among those affected
The broadcast situation is particularly relevant to Nigeria, with Rangers International and Rivers United representing the country in the Champions League, while El Kanemi Warriors and Shooting Stars are flying the flag in the Confederation Cup.
Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, were drawn against SOBEMAP of Benin Republic in the Champions League first preliminary round.
Rivers United, meanwhile, will face FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire.
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Both Nigerian clubs must negotiate their opening two-legged ties before thinking about the second preliminary round.
In the Confederation Cup, El Kanemi Warriors face UDIB of Guinea-Bissau, while Shooting Stars have arguably the toughest assignment among the Nigerian contingent, having been drawn against Tunisian heavyweights CS Sfaxien.
The preliminary rounds are crucial because only clubs that successfully negotiate both stages will reach the group phase.
CAF’s official calendar confirms that the second preliminary round ties will be played in October, with the group stages beginning in late November.
CAF takes over broadcast from group stage
The situation changes once the competitions reach the group stage. CAF will assume responsibility for the broadcast arrangements from that point onwards, meaning fans can expect a more centralized approach to television and streaming coverage.
The distinction is important because the preliminary rounds involve a large number of clubs spread across the continent, with CAF’s regulations placing specific broadcast and transmission obligations on participating associations as the competition progresses.
In the meantime, supporters may therefore need to rely on announcements from the individual home clubs or their appointed broadcasters to know where and how matches will be available.
VAR could also get a major upgrade
Away from the broadcast issue, another potentially significant change is being discussed by CAF.
The continental governing body is considering extending the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in its two premier club competitions.
VAR is currently used from the quarterfinal stage onwards, but discussions are reportedly ongoing over whether the technology should be introduced from the group stage and remain in use through to the finals of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
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No final decision has been taken yet. The potential expansion would represent a significant change to officiating in the competitions, particularly because teams would have access to VAR much earlier in their continental campaigns.
CAF has already signalled a broader intention to strengthen confidence in its refereeing and VAR systems. In March, President Patrice Motsepe announced plans for changes aimed at improving trust in CAF referees, VAR operators and the disciplinary and appeals structures.
