AFRICA: AS part of its ongoing efforts to raise the standards of African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reminded its Member Associations of the coaching requirements approved at its Executive Committee meeting on December 16, 2024.
The CAF Coaching Standards, adopted under the new CAF Coaching Convention, apply not only to CAF Inter-club competitions and the Women’s Champions League, but also to all national teams of CAF Member Associations.
The reminder is intended to ensure that coaches across all CAF competitions meet the minimum professional standards established by the continental governing body.
CAF emphasized that coaches who do not possess the required certification must comply with the new coaching requirements without delay.
However, coaches with valid contracts signed before the introduction of the new regulations will be granted a two-season grace period covering the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons to obtain the necessary qualifications.
Clubs and National Associations seeking to appoint coaches following the implementation of the new requirements must ensure that candidates already meet the stipulated qualifications. Newly hired coaches will not be eligible for the grace period.
ALSO READ: Tanzania clubs CAF fate on edge
For women’s competitions, CAF has stipulated that at least one member of the technical team either the Head Coach or the Assistant Coach must be a woman, reinforcing its commitment to gender inclusion in football development.
CAF further warned that failure to comply with these requirements will result in strict sanctions.
Non-compliant coaches will be barred from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of stadiums during CAF matches, will not be registered as official team officials, and will be prohibited from participating in official team activities.
Additional sporting sanctions may be imposed, including referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies. The role of coaches in the development of football particularly within the African game and Ghana’s football landscape remains critical.
In recognition of this, CAF continues to refine and strengthen its coaching framework to ensure that professionals involved in its competitions meet the highest standards.