CAF establishes new Infrastructure Department to support stadium development across Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has established an Infrastructure Department within its Competitions Department and Events Division, in line with the vision of President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, which emphasizes that all Member Associations should be able to host their home matches within their own countries.

According to CAF, a Senior Infrastructure Manager has been appointed to support Member Associations in all matters related to football infrastructure. Member Associations are encouraged to collaborate directly with the Infrastructure Department for all stadium-related projects to optimize this support and streamline processes, whether for the construction of new stadiums, renovation of existing infrastructure, or stadium approval processes. Early collaboration with the department will ensure compliance with CAF and FIFA standards from the outset of the project.

In line with CAF’s updated infrastructure protocols, the following steps apply when a Member Association or club plans to use a non-approved stadium for a CAF or FIFA match, or when an inspection is requested for a newly built or renovated stadium:

1. Pre-Inspection by the National Club Licensing Manager (CLM): The CLM of the Member Association shall conduct a preliminary inspection using the CAF CLOP platform. A detailed report, including high-quality photos and videos, shall be submitted to CAF via the platform.
2. CAF Evaluation and Decision: Upon receiving the CLM’s report, CAF will assess whether a full on-site inspection is necessary to determine the stadium’s eligibility to host official CAF or FIFA matches. • If a full on-site inspection is deemed unnecessary, CAF will proceed to issue a decision (see step 4).
3. Conditions for a CAF Inspection: If CAF requires a full inspection; the inspection team will consist of the following independent experts: Ø Sport Infrastructure Specialist Ø Safety and Security Expert Ø Natural or Artificial Turf Inspector. The Member Association requesting approval will bear all related costs, including: Ø Transport (local and international), accommodation, and meals Ø Consultant’s fees and logistical expenses
4. CAF Decision: Upon receiving the inspection team’s report (which must be submitted within one week of the end of the mission) or based on the CLM’s pre-inspection report and any available data if no on-site inspection is deemed necessary, CAF (or the Engineering Pool) will issue a decision on whether the stadium is approved for CAF competitions. Any decision of rejection will be justified to allow for the necessary improvements and adjustments for future approval. Late requests (submitted less than two months before the scheduled CAF or FIFA match) may not be considered. The CLM’s pre-inspection report, even if favorable, serves CAF’s internal evaluation only. It does not constitute, and cannot replace, an official stadium approval.

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