CAF launches sweeping reforms to restore trust after AFCON 2025 controversy

Africa, Sports

SPORTS, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced far‑reaching reforms to its Statutes and Regulations aimed at strengthening trust in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies. The measures are designed to prevent a repeat of the incidents that marred the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

CAF noted that referees and VAR operators at AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 earned widespread praise, and the new reforms seek to restore that level of credibility. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to appointing Africa’s most respected judges and lawyers to the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board, ensuring independence and impartiality.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the reforms are backed by legal advice from African and international football experts to align with global best practices. “These changes will strengthen confidence in referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and judicial bodies. They will also ensure that the unacceptable incidents at AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again,” he stated.

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Motsepe added that CAF is working with FIFA to provide ongoing training for referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners, while also pushing for their professionalisation and fair remuneration. He highlighted CAF’s progress in governance, ethics, transparency, and managerial best practices, stressing its zero‑tolerance stance on corruption and improper behaviour.

“Our commitment to fairness and equal treatment of all Member Associations is non‑negotiable,” Motsepe said. “No association will be favoured above another. CAF will continue to review and improve governance standards to strengthen the global competitiveness of African football.”

The matters relating to the AFCON 2025 final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Meanwhile, CAF’s focus has shifted to the Confederation Cup, Champions League, and preparations for African nations competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. Motsepe expressed confidence that Africa’s representatives will make the continent proud.