The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a new set of operational guidelines ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, introducing measures designed to streamline logistics, reduce congestion and ensure smooth tournament operations across all host cities.
One of the key directives requires all participating nations to submit their final squad lists at least 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
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CAF has attached a $10,000 penalty to late submissions, underscoring the importance of early and accurate documentation to aid planning for accommodation, transport and matchday arrangements.
In a major move to control movement between venues, CAF has limited the number of players allowed to travel on match-related trips.
Only 18 players per squad will be permitted to travel between cities via air, road or rail, whether for group-stage or knockout fixtures.
This measure is aimed at easing transportation pressure as teams move around the tournament hubs.
CAF has also provided a structured travel timetable.
Teams moving between Rabat and Casablanca must travel on the morning of matchday, while those heading to other host cities will be allowed to travel a day before their matches.
Several nations will need to move during the group stages, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Botswana, DR Congo, Benin, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Comoros, Mali, Zambia, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
Training protocols have also been adjusted. Teams will no longer conduct full training sessions at the match venue on the eve of games.
Instead, they may only visit the stadium for light familiarisation — without ball work — between 2:00pm and 9:00pm, subject to CAF’s approval.
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, these fresh regulations reflect CAF’s commitment to delivering a well-coordinated, efficiently managed tournament, ensuring the comfort of teams and the smooth running of Africa’s biggest football event.
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