2025 AFCONGATE: CAF Announces Sweeping Reforms to Strengthen Refereeing and Judicial Integrity
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a series of far-reaching reforms to its Statutes and Regulations aimed at restoring trust and confidence in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies.
The measures are designed to prevent a repeat of the controversial incidents that marred the Final Match of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
CAF emphasized that the reforms will reinforce the independence and impartiality of its judicial structures, including the Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.
The organization will continue appointing respected African judges and lawyers, nominated by its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions, to ensure credibility and fairness in decision-making.
‘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 will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again,’ says CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
Motsepe added that CAF has sought extensive legal advice from leading African and international football experts to align its governance framework with global best practices.
He stressed the need to professionalize referees and VAR operators, improve their training in collaboration with FIFA, and ensure they are adequately compensated.
Highlighting CAF’s progress over the past five years in governance, ethics, and transparency, Motsepe reaffirmed the body’s zero tolerance for corruption and improper conduct, noting that this commitment has been recognized by sponsors and partners.
CAF also reiterated its pledge to treat all Member Associations equally, without favoritism, while continuing to strengthen African football’s global competitiveness.
The matters relating to the Morocco 2025 AFCON final remain before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Meanwhile, CAF’s focus has shifted to upcoming competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup, CAF Champions League, and preparations for African nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America.
Motsepe expressed confidence that African teams will make the continent proud on the world stage.
