The 2016 CAF Champions League was the 52nd edition of Africa's premier club football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the 20th edition under the current CAF Champions League format.
Association team allocation
All 56 CAF member associations might enter the CAF Champions League, with the 12 highest ranked associations according to their CAF 5-year ranking eligible to enter two teams in the competition. The title holders could also enter. The points are multiplied by a coefficient according to the year as follows: • 2014 – 5 • 2013 – 4 • 2012 – 3 • 2011 – 2 • 2010 – 1 ==Teams==
Teams
The following 55 teams from 43 associations entered the competition. Teams in bold received a bye to the first round. The other teams entered the preliminary round. Associations are shown according to their 2010–2014 CAF 5-year ranking – those with a ranking score have their rank and score indicated. ==Schedule==
Schedule
The schedule of the competition was as follows. For the first time, some rounds of matches were officially scheduled in midweek (in italics) instead of on weekends. ==Qualifying rounds==
Qualifying rounds
Preliminary round ;Notes First roundSecond round ;Notes ==Group stage==