Al Ahly have suffered another setback in their plans for next season after Moroccan media reports revealed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had rejected a proposal to increase the number of clubs participating in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Egyptian proposal had opened the door to a possible change in the competition formats, which would have allowed more clubs to take part in the continental tournaments during the new season. This had revived Al Ahly’s hopes of returning to the Champions League, despite previous indications that the club would compete in the Confederation Cup.

According to Morocco’s Al Mountakhab newspaper, CAF has decided to maintain the current system for both competitions without introducing any changes for the 2026–27 season. The decision effectively closes the door on a proposal that could have created additional opportunities for clubs to participate in continental competition.

Al Ahly’s Hopes Fade Away

Al Ahly had been waiting for CAF’s final decision as a potential opportunity to rescue its continental campaign, particularly after the club’s efforts to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming competitions. However, the rejection of the proposal means that the existing scenario will remain in place, with Al Ahly set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup instead of the Champions League.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe had previously indicated that the Egyptian proposal was being studied within the organisation before a final decision was made. Moroccan reports have now claimed that CAF has rejected any changes to the current system of the two competitions.

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As a result, Al Ahly now face a different challenge. After years of competing in the Champions League, the Egyptian giants will be required to navigate a Confederation Cup campaign as they seek to add another continental trophy to their collection.

Wydad Also Pay the Price

The impact of the decision is not limited to Al Ahly. According to the reports, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca will also miss out on continental competition next season after hoping to benefit from an increase in the number of available places and secure a spot in the Confederation Cup.

Under the expected allocation of Moroccan continental places, Maghreb Fez and RS Berkane will represent Morocco in the Champions League, while Raja Casablanca and AS FAR will compete in the Confederation Cup. Wydad, meanwhile, will be left out of continental competition for the first time in more than 15 years.

The proposal that could have expanded Africa’s continental competitions has therefore given way to a decision to maintain the existing system, closing the door on clubs that had been waiting for another opportunity to return to the continental stage — most notably Al Ahly and Wydad.

With Al Ahly’s hopes of returning to the Champions League through an increase in the number of participating clubs now over, the path ahead is clear: the Red Giants will compete in the Confederation Cup, where they are expected to face strong opponents such as Raja Casablanca and AS FAR.

For Al Ahly, the challenge now is to turn the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League into motivation to fight for another continental title.