NPFL clubs face stringent Caf rules
Caf has laid down "the minimum required criteria" for clubs that will participate in the Champions League and Confederation Cup next year.
The African apex body sent out official word to the various national federations, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), affiliated to it on the criteria for their clubs to meet ahead of next year's Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Caf stated in its letter in October to the NFF that clubs must "fulfill the minimum required criteria at the national level for the Club Licensing System. They must obtain their licenses from their federations prior to their participation in those competitions."
Supersport.com learned that Caf, having revised club licensing documents submitted by the different national federations, including the NFF, demanded that teams participating in its club competitions must have stadium certification not older than two years at the start of the season and must also have a head of youth development programme.
"All clubs engaged in Caf inter-clubs competitions shall fulfill the minimum required criteria at the national level for the Club Licensing System. They must obtain their licenses from their federations prior to their participation in those competitions.
"Stadium Certification must not be older than two years at the beginning of the new inter-clubs competition season.
"You are also requested to provide us with your confirmation regarding the person within your administration that will focus on the implementation of the Club Licensing System and who will act as the point of contact with Caf," the African football governing body stated in its letter.
Caf has made it clear that its "updated regulations on the Inter-Clubs competitions will come into force" from 1 December.
Recently Caf had warned that clubs not licensed or properly licensed by their national football federations risk being thrown out of its club competitions.
Caf's regulations on engagement in Article 10 also state that the African football governing body has the right to carry out inspections on the clubs in respect to meeting the club licensing criteria.
"The application must include a copy of the club licence issued by the concerned federation, stating that the club meets the Club Licensing Criteria as enacted in Caf Regulations on the procedure for granting the licenses to the clubs. Caf reserves the right to request the required documents and to carry out inspections of clubs. An engaged club without licence could be banned to participate in Caf inter-clubs competitions," states Caf's article.
Nigerian champions Kano Pillars and Cup holders Enyimba will feature in the 2015 Caf Champions League while the duo of Dolphins and Warri Wolves will take part in the Caf Confederation Cup.
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