CAF said the reforms are designed to strengthen confidence in match officials, including referees and VAR operators…reports Asian Lite News
The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations aimed at restoring trust in refereeing standards, VAR operations and judicial processes following controversies at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
CAF said the reforms are designed to strengthen confidence in match officials, including referees and VAR operators, as well as in its Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. The governing body also stressed that the changes are intended to prevent a repeat of the incidents that marred the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Final.
In a statement, CAF acknowledged the need to reinforce credibility and integrity across African football, particularly after criticism surrounding decision making in key matches. The organisation emphasised that improving governance and officiating standards remains a top priority.
CAF pointed to the strong performances of referees and VAR officials during the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, which were widely praised, and said it is determined to return to that level of respect and consistency.
As part of the reforms, CAF will continue appointing highly respected African judges and legal experts to its judicial bodies. These appointments are made through recommendations from member associations and zonal unions, with final approval from CAF’s executive structures. The organisation underlined that independence and impartiality of these bodies are essential to maintaining credibility.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the governing body is implementing far reaching improvements aligned with global football standards. He noted that CAF has consulted leading African and international legal experts to ensure its regulations reflect best practices both on and off the pitch.
Motsepe said the reforms would enhance trust in referees, VAR operators and match commissioners, while also reinforcing the integrity of disciplinary processes. He added that CAF is working closely with FIFA to improve training programmes for African match officials so they can match the highest international standards.
He also stressed the importance of professionalising refereeing across the continent, including better compensation for officials, as part of efforts to raise performance levels and accountability.
Highlighting broader governance progress, Motsepe said CAF has made significant strides in recent years in strengthening transparency, ethics and management practices. He reiterated the organisation’s zero tolerance approach to corruption and misconduct, noting that this commitment has helped attract new sponsors and partners.
CAF also reaffirmed its stance on fairness among its 54 member associations, stating that no country would receive preferential treatment under its governance framework.
While legal matters related to the AFCON 2025 final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAF said its immediate focus remains on ongoing competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
At the same time, the organisation 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.
With these reforms, CAF aims to rebuild trust, enhance professionalism and strengthen the global competitiveness of African football.
