CAF Champions League Final: CAF expands media access ahead of AS FAR vs Mamelodi Sundowns in Rabat
CAF expands media access for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final in Rabat on May 24, 2026 — Media Open Days, coach pressers and open training sessions.
The Confederation of African Football has announced expanded media access for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final as AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for the second leg in Rabat. The CAF Champions League Final will be decided on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). CAF said the move reflects rising global interest in African club football and introduces mandatory Media Open Days alongside customary press activity.
CAF introduces Media Open Days to broaden coverage
CAF has added structured Media Open Days to the match-week schedule to give journalists greater access to players and coaches. These sessions are mandatory parts of the official build-up and are designed to create more opportunities for interviews, features and live reporting. The federation framed the change as a response to growing demand from broadcasters, print and digital outlets seeking richer coverage of marquee African fixtures.
The Media Open Days will complement the usual press conferences and one-on-one interviews, with designated windows for broadcasters and print journalists. CAF officials said the aim is to synchronize media activity across platforms and ensure consistent access while preserving team preparations. Organizers will manage times and venues centrally to limit disruptions and maintain competitive fairness for both clubs.
Schedule outlines club-specific media events across three days
The expanded media program begins on Thursday with a host-club media session for AS FAR, giving local and international outlets early access to the Moroccan side. On Friday, reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will stage their own Media Open Day in Rabat, allowing reporters to engage with the South African squad. Both sessions are intended to provide player interviews, coach commentary and broader human-interest material ahead of matchweek.
Saturday will feature pre-match press conferences for each head coach at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, which will host the decisive second leg. In addition to the coach briefings, CAF has scheduled two open training sessions on the run-up to the final so media can capture action shots, tactical rehearsals and player availability updates. Detailed timings and exact locations for all events are being circulated via the CAF Media Channel to credentialed outlets.
AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns to host interactive media days
AS FAR’s media activities will mark the formal start of the engagement program in Rabat, with the Moroccan club expected to showcase its preparation and provide access to senior players. The session aims to cater to local press and international media covering the final, offering material for advance profiles and match previews. Organizers will balance availability with the club’s training schedule to ensure teams retain sufficient preparation time.
Mamelodi Sundowns, winners of the continental crown in 2016 and perennial contenders, will follow with their own Media Open Day that emphasizes coach and player interactions. Sundowns’ engagement is likely to attract substantial international interest given the team’s recent continental pedigree and large following across the region. Both clubs have been asked to nominate spokespeople and outline availability windows to streamline interviews.
Press conferences and open training sessions at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah
CAF has scheduled separate head coach press conferences at the stadium on Saturday to provide direct access to tactical insight and injury updates ahead of the final. The stadium-based briefings are intended to give broadcasters and print journalists a central, controlled environment for live questions. Media accreditation and seating arrangements will be managed according to the federation’s operational guidelines to ensure order and fairness.
Two open training sessions will be held in Rabat so media can observe on-field preparations, formations and player fitness in real time. These sessions represent important opportunities for visual content, tactical analysis and last-minute reporting on squad availability. CAF will publish the precise session times and any restrictions on equipment or filming through the CAF Media Channel to ensure all outlets have the same information.
CAF frames the move as a step toward global standards and fan engagement
CAF Communications said the expanded access is part of a broader strategy to deepen ties with media and to support the growth of African football’s global profile. The federation emphasized that increased media engagement helps bring fans closer to the competition and supports storytelling that elevates club football across the continent. Officials described the Media Open Days as a practical measure to meet international broadcast expectations while promoting transparency and fan interest.
The decision also reflects the commercial and audience growth surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, where heightened demand for content has put pressure on organizers to provide more comprehensive media windows. CAF noted that by standardizing access and opening additional channels for coverage, it expects to improve the quality of reporting and broaden reach for African club competitions. The federation said these steps align with its objective of matching global best practice in major match preparations.
Logistics for journalists and how to access schedules and contacts
Journalists and media organizations seeking to attend the Rabat events are being asked to consult the CAF Media Channel for official timetables and accreditation instructions. The channel will list venue details, session times and any equipment or broadcast restrictions applicable to the Media Open Days and stadium activities. CAF’s central coordination is intended to minimize confusion and ensure that international and local outlets receive consistent guidance.
For further enquiries, media representatives can contact CAF Communications directly at [email protected], which is the designated point for accreditation questions and logistical coordination. The federation has indicated that additional briefings may be issued if circumstances change or if further clarifications are needed ahead of matchday. Media outlets are urged to submit questions and equipment requests early to secure the necessary approvals and access.
The second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final promises high emotions and broad interest as two of Africa’s leading clubs prepare to contest continental supremacy in Rabat. With expanded media access, CAF aims to broaden coverage and deliver richer storytelling for fans at home and abroad in what is expected to be a tightly contested finale.
