The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Zambia national team coach Moses Sichone just days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The suspension is a direct result of strict new licensing rules set by CAF. The regulations state that any coach leading a national team at a major tournament must hold a specific CAF A or CAF Pro license to be eligible.
The 48-year-old Sichone, a respected figure in Zambian football, holds a UEFA A coaching license, which is a high level qualification in Europe. However, this certification does not meet the exact standards now required by CAF for the continental tournament.
As a consequence, CAF has disqualified him from leading the Chipolopolo from the touchline during the competition. This last-minute decision throws Zambia’s tournament preparations into disarray as they were set to begin their campaign.
The team must now quickly adapt to a new leadership structure on the bench just as the continent’s biggest football event is set to begin on Sunday
Sichone was a longtime assistant coach to Avram Grant.
Zambia qualified as Group G leaders ahead of Afcon defending champions Ivory Coast with 13 points.
The Chipolopolo will compete in Group A at the finals, facing hosts Morocco, Mali and Comoros.
Wait, is CAF license A not equivalent to UEFA license A? So the foreign coaches at the AFCON all have CAF license A?
I’m confused 🤔.