Reports: CAF Entities Attempted to Increase Champions League Quota for Some Nations to Include Al Ahly, Plan Postponed

T.E (Elbotola)

09 June 2026at13:57

News reports indicate that influential entities within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) attempted to push for an increase in the number of clubs participating in the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League.

Egyptian media personality Ahmed Shobier confirmed that CAF was seriously considering increasing the number of clubs representing certain nations in the Champions League, most notably Egypt, specifically to allow Al Ahly to participate.

The same source indicated that these influential entities within the African football body encountered obstacles in implementing the proposal, leading to its postponement to a later date.

Al Ahly will miss out on the CAF Champions League next season, having finished third in the Egyptian Premier League. Consequently, they will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup instead.

Q&A

What was the proposed change to the CAF Champions League?

Influential entities within CAF attempted to increase the number of clubs from certain nations in the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League. This proposal aimed to allow specific teams, like Al Ahly, to participate despite their league position.

Why did Al Ahly need a quota change to play in the Champions League?

Al Ahly needed a quota change because they finished third in the Egyptian Premier League. This league position means they will miss out on the CAF Champions League next season and will instead participate in the CAF Confederation Cup.

What is the current status of the proposed CAF Champions League quota increase?

The proposed CAF Champions League quota increase has been postponed to a later date. Influential entities within the African football body encountered obstacles in implementing the proposal, leading to its deferral for now.

Al Ahly FC

CAF Champions League