The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced major reforms to its statutes and regulations aimed at rebuilding confidence in referees, VAR officials, and its judicial structures.
The governing body said the changes became necessary following controversies that emerged during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
In a statement on its website on Sunday, CAF explained that the reforms are intended to prevent a repeat of incidents that affected the tournament’s final match and to restore credibility to African match officials and disciplinary processes.
Outlining key aspects of the reforms, the statement said, “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.”
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the changes followed extensive consultations with leading African and international football legal experts, with the goal of aligning CAF regulations with global standards.
He stated that the reforms would significantly improve trust in referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and disciplinary panels, while ensuring that issues witnessed during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 final do not recur.
“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 that appointments to its disciplinary and appeal bodies will continue to be based on nominations from its 54 member associations and zonal unions, with final approval by its Executive Committee and General Assembly.
Motsepe stressed the importance of fairness and equal treatment across all member associations, adding, “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 also noted that issues arising from the Morocco 2025 AFCON final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, attention is shifting to ongoing CAF club competitions as well as preparations for African teams heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, where Motsepe expressed optimism about their performance.