Why Rangers Have Pulled Out of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League

Sierra Leone champions Bo Rangers have pulled out of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League because of financial difficulties.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that it will not take part in Africa’s biggest club competition, despite qualifying by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League title.

Bo Rangers said the cost of competing in the tournament is too high and that the club cannot meet the financial demands.

The decision means Sierra Leone is currently without a confirmed representative in this season’s CAF Champions League. The Sierra Leone Football Association and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could now decide whether another club will replace Bo Rangers.

CAF recently announced the list of clubs for the preliminary rounds of the competition, with matches due to begin in early September.

Bo Rangers’ withdrawal highlights the financial challenges facing many African clubs. The costs of travel, accommodation, logistics and player welfare often make it difficult for clubs from smaller football nations to compete on the continental stage.

The club’s decision will disappoint supporters who had hoped to see their team compete against Africa’s top clubs after another successful league campaign.

Attention will now turn to the Sierra Leone Football Association and CAF as they decide whether another club will take Sierra Leone’s place in the competition.