The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a bold new roadmap for the upcoming 2024/2025 Interclub season, promising a more competitive and inclusive tournament structure.
The biggest change? A revamped qualification system with a significant increase in participation slots for Member Associations. The 12 highest-ranked nations according to the CAF rankings – Algeria, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, DR Congo, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, and Tanzania – will now be allowed to enter two clubs each in both the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. This move is expected to inject a fresh wave of excitement and elevate the overall quality of the competitions.
The season kicks off earlier than usual, with the Preliminary Round scheduled for a three-day window between August 16th and 18th, 2024. Group Stages will run from October to December 2024, leading into a thrilling Knockout Phase culminating in the Finals between March and May 2025.
In a move designed to streamline the competition flow, the previously implemented “second chance” entry for teams eliminated from the Champions League’s second round into the Confederation Cup has been scrapped. This means clubs advancing from the Confederation Cup’s second preliminary round will directly progress to the group stage, ensuring a more focused and competitive atmosphere.
CAF has also introduced a streamlined player registration process with four designated windows. The first window, opening on July 1st and closing on July 20th, allows Member Associations to register players participating in the Preliminary Round. Subsequent windows follow a staggered schedule, allowing for adjustments based on team progression.
The revamped format, with its increased participation slots and streamlined structure, reflects CAF’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and competitive environment for African football clubs. This season promises to be a spectacle, filled with high-octane encounters and the potential for new powerhouses to emerge.
