The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected 35 elite Category A match officials for a specialised training camp in Cairo, Egypt, ahead of the group stages of the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

The training programme, scheduled to run from November 18 to 23, is part of CAF’s preparations to strengthen officiating standards and ensure that match officials are adequately equipped for the demands of the continental club competitions.

In addition to the 35 selected officials, CAF has identified 15 referees for specialised Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training as the continent’s football governing body prepares to introduce the technology at the group stage of both competitions for the first time this season.

The introduction of VAR represents a significant development in African club football, with the technology expected to provide additional support to referees in making crucial decisions during matches.

The specialised training will focus on improving the officials’ technical knowledge, decision-making abilities and understanding of the VAR system to ensure effective implementation during the competitions.

CAF’s decision to introduce VAR at the group stage of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup is expected to enhance officiating standards, reduce controversial decisions and promote greater fairness in African club football.

The Cairo training camp will therefore serve as an important preparation exercise for the selected officials ahead of the demanding fixtures in the group stages.

The development also highlights CAF’s continued efforts to modernise its competitions, improve match administration and align African football officiating with evolving international standards.

With VAR making its debut at the group stage of the two major continental club competitions, the 2026/2027 season will mark a new chapter in the use of technology in African club football.