The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled sweeping reforms to its statutes and regulations in a bid to rebuild trust in referees, VAR operators and judicial bodies following the controversial final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement released on Sunday, March 29, CAF said the changes are designed to prevent a repeat of incidents that overshadowed the tournament’s showpiece match and to restore the credibility of African match officials.
The governing body confirmed that it will continue appointing leading African judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards. “CAF will continue with the procedure and practice of appointing the best and most respected African judges and lawyers to the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” the football body said.
“These judges and lawyers are appointed by the CAF EXCO and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly from the names proposed and recommended by 54 CAF Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
“The independence and impartiality of the CAF Judicial Bodies is imperative.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the overhaul followed extensive legal consultations with African and international football experts.
He said, “CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations, which will strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners, and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.
“These changes and improvements will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again.
“CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African Referees, VAR Operators, and Match Commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world. We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well.”
He added, “The independence and impartiality of the CAF Judicial Bodies is imperative. Our commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and improper behaviour has been recognised and rewarded by the numerous sponsors and partners that we have gained.
“What is also non-negotiable is our commitment and determination to treat each and every Member Association equally and fairly. Under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially or favoured above any other.”
CAF confirmed that issues linked to the AFCON 2025 final are now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The body said its focus also remains on ongoing competitions including the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League, while preparing national teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.
“We are confident that the African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” Motsepe said.
