The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a fresh set of regulations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, introducing new rules governing squad submissions, travel logistics, and pre-match preparations for participating nations.

The updated guidelines are part of CAF’s efforts to streamline organisation and ensure smoother tournament operations as Africa’s biggest football event draws closer. AFCON 2025 will run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

According to the new regulations:

Final squad lists must be submitted at least 10 days before kickoff, with a $10,000 fine imposed on any nation that fails to meet the deadline.
Only 18 players from each squad will be allowed to travel between cities for matches, whether by plane, road, or train.
Teams travelling between Rabat and Casablanca must make the trip on matchday morning, while trips to other host cities may be done a day earlier.
A number of teams — including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Botswana, DR Congo, Benin, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Comoros, Mali, Zambia, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea — are expected to travel during the group stage.
Teams will not be allowed a full training session in the match venue on the eve of the game. Instead, they may only visit the stadium for familiarisation between 2pm and 9pm, pending CAF approval.

The new measures have sparked conversations among fans, coaches, and analysts, particularly regarding travel limits and training restrictions.

Opinion: CAF’s New Rules Aim for Order — but Could They Add Pressure on Teams?

CAF’s updated AFCON regulations clearly show a desire for tighter organisation and improved logistics — something that has often been a pain point in previous tournaments. Requiring final squads 10 days early, controlling travel schedules, and standardising pre-match routines are all steps that reflect a more structured approach.

However, some of these rules may also create new challenges.

Limiting travelling players to just 18 could significantly affect match planning, especially for coaches who prefer tactical flexibility or have squads dealing with minor injuries. In a tournament as intense as AFCON, depth is often a team’s greatest weapon — and restricting movement might reduce that advantage.

The restriction on full training sessions at match venues also raises eyebrows. Familiarity with pitch conditions can be crucial, especially in a competition involving different cities, climates, and stadium surfaces. A simple walkthrough may not be enough for teams seeking a competitive edge.

Still, it’s important to recognise the bigger picture: CAF wants a more organised and efficient tournament, and these rules might just help reduce chaos, delays, and avoidable confusion.

With Morocco set to host, and some of Africa’s strongest teams preparing for battle, AFCON 2025 already promises to be a spectacular edition.
The real test will be how well teams adapt to these new regulations — and whether they enhance or complicate the continental showpiece.