Nigeria representative in the CAF Champions League, Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars alongside Confederations Cup participant in El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC have been cleared by the African football governing body, CAF after meeting the club licensing requirements, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The CAF Interclub 2024/25 season is officially underway following the preliminary draw, CAF announced the list of clubs that met licensing requirements and are eligible to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
CAF implemented a mandatory Club Licensing System this year, ensuring participating clubs adhere to specific standards. A total of 58 Champions League spots were awarded to clubs from 46 African nations, while 51 Confederation Cup spots went to clubs from 40 countries. This signifies a commitment to raising the level of competition in both tournaments.
To compete in the prestigious CAF Interclub competitions, clubs must not only qualify on the pitch, but also off it. This season (2024/25), all participating clubs went through a licensing process overseen by their national associations.
The licensing process ensures clubs meet specific standards across four key areas: sporting infrastructure, personnel and administration, legal compliance, and financial health. The deadline to submit all documents and licensing decisions was June 30th, 2024.
Interestingly, the CAF Club Licensing system proved effective in tackling financial issues. Several clubs facing overdue payments addressed them to comply with the men's club licensing regulations. This ensures a more financially stable playing field for the upcoming season.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola