1. What is Club Licensing?

• Club Licensing is a regulatory system established by the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) to ensure that football clubs participating in CAF competitions meet certain standards and criteria related to sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial aspects. It aims to enhance the professionalization and sustainability of football clubs in Africa.

2. Why was Club Licensing introduced?

• Club Licensing was introduced to improve the overall standard and governance of football clubs in Africa. It seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and financial stability among clubs, as well as to raise the level of professionalism and infrastructure in African football.

3. What are the criteria for Club Licensing?

• The criteria for Club Licensing are divided into several areas, including sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial requirements. Each area has specific criteria that clubs must meet to be granted a license to participate in CAF inter-club competitions and their respective domestic leagues.

4. What are the sanctions when a team doesn’t meet the requirements?

• When a team fails to meet the Club Licensing requirements, they may face various sanctions, including fines, deduction of points, or even exclusion from participating in CAF competitions. The specific sanctions may vary depending on the severity and nature of the non-compliance.

5. Which clubs are required to undergo the Club Licensing process?

• All clubs seeking to participate in CAF’s continental competitions, such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, are required to undergo the Club Licensing process. Additionally, some CAF Member Associations may implement Club Licensing for clubs participating in their domestic competitions as well.

6. How does the Club Licensing process work?

• The Club Licensing process involves clubs applying for a license to participate in CAF inter-club competitions and their respective domestic leagues. The licensor, which is the CAF Member Association, assesses the clubs based on various criteria related to sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial aspects. The licensor reviews the documentation and conducts inspections if necessary. The decision-making bodies, including the Appeals Body, make final decisions on granting or refusing licenses.

7. Is Club Licensing mandatory for all African clubs?

• Yes, Club Licensing is mandatory for all African clubs participating in CAF inter-club competitions and their respective domestic leagues. It is aimed at ensuring better governance, professionalism, and development of football clubs in Africa.

8. How often do clubs need to undergo the Club Licensing process?

• Clubs typically need to undergo the Club Licensing process on an annual basis, as licenses are granted for one sporting season only and expire at the end of that season.

9. Can clubs appeal if their license application is rejected?

• Yes, clubs have the right to appeal if their license application is rejected. Appeals can be lodged in writing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the relevant provisions laid down in the CAF Statutes.

10. Can clubs appeal decisions made during the Club Licensing process?

• Yes, clubs can appeal decisions made during the Club Licensing process. Appeals can be lodged in writing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the relevant provisions in the CAF Statutes.

11. How can clubs access the CAF Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP)?

• All parties must utilize the CAF Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) for all relevant steps of the Club Licensing System. The platform is used for collecting and uploading required documents, answering messages and alerts, and serving as a point of contact between the club, the licensor, and the CAF.

12. Are there any language requirements for Club Licensing?

• Yes, the CAF Club Licensing Regulations are available in English, French, and Portuguese. In the event of any discrepancy between the three linguistic versions, the French version is authoritative.

13. What is the role of the CAF Administration in the Club Licensing process?

• The CAF Administration is responsible for supervising and overseeing the correct implementation of the Club Licensing process at the level of the CAF Member Associations. They may also grant exceptions and transitional provisions about the applicability of certain club licensing criteria and requirements.

14. How does Club Licensing contribute to the development of African football?

• Club Licensing aims to professionalize and enhance the standards of African football clubs, leading to increased transparency, financial stability, and improved infrastructure. This, in turn, contributes to the overall development and growth of African football at both national and continental levels.

15. How are clubs assessed during the Club Licensing process?

• Clubs are assessed based on various criteria, including sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial aspects. The assessment is conducted by the licensor, and the club’s compliance with the set criteria determines whether they are granted a license or face sanctions.

16. How does Club Licensing benefit clubs and players?

• Club Licensing benefits clubs and players by promoting financial stability, improving infrastructure and facilities, enhancing youth development, ensuring proper administration, and creating a fair playing field for all clubs in continental and domestic competitions. It also helps attract investment and sponsors, leading to improved conditions for players and overall club development.

17. Can clubs apply for exceptions or extensions for meeting certain criteria?

• Yes, clubs can apply for exceptions or extensions if they face challenges in meeting certain criteria due to national laws or other valid reasons. The CAF administration may grant exceptions or extensions after a thorough evaluation.

18. How does Club Licensing contribute to fair competition in African football?

• Club Licensing contributes to fair competition by setting standards that all clubs must meet, ensuring that clubs compete on an equal basis. It promotes financial transparency, prevents financial doping, and ensures that clubs meet the required criteria to participate in competitions.

19. What are the roles and responsibilities of the licensor in the Club Licensing process?

• The licensor, which is the CAF Member Association, is responsible for implementing and overseeing the Club Licensing process. It assesses clubs, communicates the requirements, reviews documentation, and makes decisions on granting or refusing licenses. The licensor also ensures clubs’ compliance with the criteria.

20. How is financial stability assessed during the Club Licensing process?

• Financial stability is assessed by reviewing the club’s annual financial statements, verifying payment of dues to players, staff, and tax authorities, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and requirements.

21. Are there any specific requirements for youth development in Club Licensing?

• Yes, there are specific requirements for youth development in Club Licensing. Clubs must have a written youth development program for boys and girls, including objectives, organization, personnel, infrastructure, financial resources, and football education programs. They must also ensure support for mandatory and complementary school education for young players.

22. How are coaching qualifications and staff assessed during the Club Licensing process?

• Coaching qualifications and staff are assessed by checking their certifications, experience, and compliance with CAF and national coaching requirements. Clubs must appoint qualified coaches for different teams, including the first team, youth teams, and women’s teams.