AFCON 2025: CAF Introduces New Player List Standard For National Teams

AFCON 2025: CAF Introduces New Player List Standard For National Teams

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed a revised squad regulation for national teams participating in its competitions, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Under the new rule, each participating federation is permitted to submit a list of up to 27 players for tournaments.

However, CAF will provide sponsorship coverage for only 23 players, which includes travel, accommodation, and other competition-related logistics.

The remaining four optional slots may be utilized at the discretion of each national federation, but the full cost of those additional players will be borne by the federation itself.

CAF says the update is designed to give teams greater flexibility in managing injuries, suspensions, and tactical planning, while also maintaining financial responsibility and tournament structure.

The decision is expected to encourage coaches to strategically select between sticking to the traditional 23-man squad or expanding to 27 based on team depth and financial capability.