CAF maintains current interclub competition format as Mali enters top 12 ranking

Despite recent discussions about a possible expansion of representation by clubs from Africa’s top-ranked football nations, CAF will not be making any changes to the format of the Champions League and Confederation Cup for next season.

CAF had reportedly been reviewing a proposal that could have significantly reformed its inter-club competitions by allowing the continent’s 12 top-ranked football associations to enter three or even four clubs instead of the current limit of two.

However, the proposal will not be implemented for the next campaign, meaning the existing rating structure remains unchanged.

As a result, the 12 highest-ranked football associations in the CAF five-year ranking system will continue to have two representatives each in both inter-club competitions.

The nations currently occupying the top 12 positions are Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mali, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania.

Mali recently moved into the top 12 of the rankings, replacing Libya, which has now dropped out of the rankings.

Mali’s rise in the rankings means the country will now have two clubs competing in both CAF inter-club competitions next season.

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In Nigeria, the race for continental qualification remains very competitive.

Enugu Rangers and Rivers United currently occupy the top two positions in the NPFL standings, the spots reserved for qualification to the CAF Champions League.

Ikorodu City is currently in third place, a position that qualifies them for the Confederation Cup, while the second ticket for the Confederation Cup will go to the winner of the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, there is growing uncertainty surrounding Egyptian giants Al Ahly’s participation in next season’s CAF competitions.

The 12-time CAF Champions League winners are currently third in the Egyptian Premier League standings, one point behind league leaders Pyramids FC.

As reported by Mohamed Shabana, Al Ahly could consider withdrawing from the 2026/27 CAF Confederations Cup if they finish the season in third place.

The Egyptian season is expected to conclude on May 20.

The possibility of Africa’s most successful club being left out of the Champions League has already generated widespread reactions across the continent.