The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the registration schedule and match calendar for the Preliminary Round of the 2025/26 Interclub Competitions, including key procedural changes for participating clubs.
Key Registration Dates:
Player Registration: August 1 to August 31, 2025
Engagement Deadline for Clubs: Extended to July 31, 2025, due to the CHAN tournament taking place in August
Second Registration Window: September 1 to September 30, 2025
Group Stage & Knockout Registration: October 1 to October 31, 2025
Clubs are permitted to register a maximum of 40 players, with matchday squads comprising 11 starters, 9 players, and 9 officials on the bench. The directive allows 5 substitutions per match, in line with global standards.
Preliminary Round Match Dates:
First Leg: September 19–21, 2025
Second Leg: September 26–28, 2025
CAF has also reaffirmed a structural adjustment in the Confederation Cup format:
The additional second preliminary round—which previously allowed CAF Champions League dropouts to join the Confederation Cup—remains cancelled.
This means teams eliminated from the CAF Champions League's second preliminary stage will no longer enter the Confederation Cup. Those who progress from the Confederation Cup’s second round will move straight to the group stage.
The finals of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup are slated for between May 8 and May 24, 2026.
This updated framework sets the stage for a streamlined and competitive Interclub season, as African giants and emerging clubs alike prepare for continental glory.
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