The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved new coaching requirements, effective from May 2025, aiming to standardize and elevate coaching standards across the continent. These requirements will apply to all CAF competitions, including club tournaments and national team matches.

Under the new regulations, coaches must possess the appropriate CAF coaching licenses corresponding to their roles. For instance, head coaches in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions are required to hold a CAF “A” License or an equivalent Pro License from another confederation, while assistant coaches must have at least a CAF “B” License.

Coaches currently under contract without the necessary licenses are granted a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season to comply. However, coaches hired after May 4, 2025, must meet the new licensing criteria immediately.

Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in coaches being barred from entering designated technical areas during matches and from being registered as official team staff. Further disciplinary actions may also be imposed.