CAF introduces new registration rules for Champions League and Confederation Football

The CAF Executive Committee approved the new regulation on Friday, bringing an end to the previous cup-tied rule that prevented players from featuring for another club after making an appearance in either competition.

Previously, a player who played for one club in the Champions League or Confederation Cup could not represent another team in the same competition, even after completing a transfer during one of the two registration windows.

Under the new rules, however, players will be eligible to switch clubs and continue competing in the same tournament.

For example, if a player features for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League group stages before joining Orlando Pirates during the January transfer window, he would be permitted to play for the Buccaneers in the knockout stages.

CAF has also introduced changes to squad registration, allowing clubs to register a maximum of 40 players during a single season.

Clubs will be allowed to make four changes to their squads during the final registration period, provided the players being added have not previously featured for that club in the same campaign.

The changes are expected to give clubs greater flexibility when strengthening their squads during the January transfer window, particularly those competing in the latter stages of CAF's premier club competitions.