The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to comprehensively review its Disciplinary Code and competition regulations following the chaotic scenes that marred the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 between Senegal and hosts Morocco.
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The decision comes in the aftermath of sanctions handed down by the CAF Disciplinary Board on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, over what CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, described as “unacceptable incidences” during the tournament’s final match.
In a strongly worded media statement released on Friday, Dr Motsepe expressed deep disappointment over the events that unfolded at the showpiece game, stressing that such conduct undermines the integrity, reputation and global standing of African football.
“I was extremely disappointed with the unacceptable incidences that took place at the Finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025,” Motsepe said. “I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board and I respect and will adhere to every decision of our CAF Judicial Bodies.”
The AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco was overshadowed by post-match disorder, protests and conduct deemed to be in violation of CAF statutes and regulations, prompting swift disciplinary action from the continent’s football governing body.
While CAF has already imposed sanctions, the organisation believes existing rules may not be sufficiently strong to deter future misconduct on such a high-profile stage.
As a result, Dr Motsepe confirmed that he has convened a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO), the highest decision-making body in African football outside the General Assembly, to reassess CAF’s regulatory framework.
“I have called a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee to review the CAF Regulations, including the CAF Disciplinary Code, to ensure that the CAF Judicial Bodies have the power to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions for serious violations,” he stated.
According to CAF, the review will focus on strengthening disciplinary measures against behaviour that “seriously undermines or harms the reputation, integrity, respect and global competitiveness of African Football and CAF Competitions.”
Beyond disciplinary reforms, the CAF President also addressed concerns around officiating, which formed part of the controversy surrounding the Senegal–Morocco final.
Motsepe reiterated CAF’s commitment to improving the quality and independence of referees, VAR officials and match commissioners across the continent.
“We have, over the past few years, significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills and expertise of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners,” he said. “We are determined to allocate additional financial and expert technical resources to ensure that they are as good as the best in the world.”
Motsepe added that one of his earliest reforms as CAF President was ensuring the independence of the CAF Referees Committee, with members proposed by all 54 Member Associations and drawn from the most respected officiating experts in Africa.
The CAF leadership believes these combined measures—stricter disciplinary powers and enhanced officiating standards—will help prevent a repeat of the disorder witnessed during the Senegal–Morocco AFCON final.
“I am confident that with the additional changes and extensive measures that we are introducing, African Football and CAF Competitions will continue to be respected, admired and amongst the best in the world,” Motsepe concluded.
CAF’s planned EXCO meeting is expected to chart a new course for disciplinary enforcement in African football, as the governing body seeks to restore confidence and protect the image of its flagship competitions after the turbulent AFCON 2025 finale.
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