The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations aimed at strengthening trust in its referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies.
The governing body said the moves became pertinent following controversies that erupted during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a statement published on its website on Sunday, CAF said the reforms are designed to prevent a repeat of incidents that marred the tournament’s finale and to restore the respect and credibility of African match officials.
“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. 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,” the statement said.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the reforms follow extensive legal consultations with top African and international football lawyers and experts to align CAF statutes with global best practices.
“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,” Motsepe said.
CAF also reaffirmed its commitment to appointing the most respected African judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards.
Motsepe 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 said the matters relating to the Morocco 2025 AFCON final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Meanwhile, the body said it is prioritising ongoing CAF competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League, and preparing African national teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.
Motsepe expressed confidence in African teams’ competitiveness on the global stage, saying, “We are confident that the African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud.”
