The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has confirmed it is implementing sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations aimed at strengthening trust in referees, VAR operations and judicial processes across African football.
In a media statement released on Sunday, CAF said the reforms are designed to address concerns arising from incidents that occurred during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, while reinforcing governance standards across its competitions.
CAF noted that referees and VAR officials earned widespread praise during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, and stressed its determination to restore that level of confidence and credibility.
Judicial independence and governance
The governing body reiterated its commitment to maintaining the independence of its judicial structures, including the Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.
CAF stated that qualified African judges and legal experts will continue to be appointed through recommendations from its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions, with final approval by the Executive Committee and General Assembly.
CAF emphasised that impartiality within these bodies remains “imperative” to the integrity of African football.
Motsepe: Reforms to ensure global best practices
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organisation is undertaking “far-reaching” reforms to align with international football standards both on and off the pitch.
“These changes will strengthen trust and confidence in CAF referees, VAR operators, match commissioners and judicial bodies, and ensure that the unacceptable incidents witnessed at AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again,” Motsepe said.
He added that CAF has sought guidance from leading African and international football law experts to ensure compliance with global best practices.
Motsepe also highlighted ongoing collaboration with FIFA in the training and development of referees, VAR officials and match commissioners, while stressing the need to professionalise officiating roles and improve remuneration.
Zero tolerance for corruption
CAF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ethics and accountability, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct. The body said these efforts have contributed to increased confidence among sponsors and partners.
Motsepe further stressed that all Member Associations will be treated equally, with no preferential consideration under CAF governance.
Focus on competitions and World Cup preparations
While legal matters relating to the AFCON 2025 final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), CAF said its immediate focus remains on ongoing competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
The organisation also confirmed it is working closely with African nations preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, expressing confidence that participating teams will perform strongly on the global stage.
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