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CAF Medical Committee meets in Togo and discusses key matters including medical protocol, Doping Control and improving Medical standards in CAF Football matches 

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The CAF Medical Committee met in Lome, Togo and discussed a number of key matters including revising medical protocols, doping control and general improvement of medical standards in CAF matches. 

The meeting brought together medical professionals from a number of CAF Member Association including the Chairman of the CAF Medical Committee Dr Soueilim Mohamed Bouya and Vice Chairman, Dr Thulani Ngwenya. 

As part of a pathway, the CAF Medical Committee has proposed a CAF Medical Congress 2027. 

The Medical Congress will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen capacity building, share scientific advancements and harmonise medical practices across the continent.

The Medical Committee approved an important reform to MRI testing protocols.  Effective from 2026, only one MRI test per player will be required.

Players who have successfully undergone MRI testing during the Zonal Qualifiers of the U-17 competitions will be exempt from further testing ahead of the final tournament of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026. 

Only newly registered players will be required to undergo the left wrist MRI examination.

The Committee also initiated discussions on the introduction of a dedicated medical protocol for players under the age of 15 within the framework of the CAF African Schools Football Championship, further reinforcing CAF’s commitment to strengthening medical structures at grassroots level.

Additional discussions covered several strategic areas, including the training and appointment of medical officers, the organisation of a medical seminar on the sidelines of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, pandemic preparedness, scientific research, and the establishment of medical centres of excellence across CAF’s six zonal unions.

The Committee also reviewed CAF Anti-Doping Unit’s achievements since its creation in 2020 till 2025 as well as CAF’s Anti-Doping Strategy for 2026–2030, alongside initiatives aimed at enhancing continuous Anti-doping education through a dedicated virtual platform.

CAF Anti-Doping Unit’s vision 2026 - 2030: 

Looking ahead, CAF ADU has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for 2026–2030, focused on growth, innovation, and education:

  • Expansion of the Doping Control Officers Network
  • Target of 108 DCOs covering all 54 African countries by the end of 2026.
  • Long-term goal of 216 trained DCOs by 2030, with at least four officers per country.
  • Implementation of eight regional workshops between 2027 and 2030 to strengthen expertise and capacity.
  • Increased Testing and Advanced Methods
  • Expansion of testing volume to between 2,500 and 3,000 tests annually by 2030.
  • Introduction of advanced testing techniques, including blood testing and Dry Blood Spot (DBS) analysis.
  • Enhanced Education and Awareness
  • Integration of Anti-Doping education into all CAF competitions and events.
  • Development of tailored educational materials for players, coaches, and medical staff.
  • Engagement of football legends as ambassadors to promote clean sport.
  • Support for Member Associations to implement localized awareness 

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