- The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping reforms to restore trust in referees, VAR, and judicial systems
- The changes follow controversies from the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco
- CAF plans to appoint top African judges and lawyers to disciplinary and appeal boards with emphasis placed on independence and impartiality of judicial bodies
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the reforms align with global best practices after legal consultations
The Confederation of African Football has unveiled major reforms to its statutes and regulations in a bid to rebuild confidence in referees, VAR officials, and its judicial processes.
The governing body said the decision follows controversies that trailed the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 29, CAF explained that the reforms are aimed at preventing a recurrence of the incidents that overshadowed the tournament’s final and restoring the credibility of African match officials.
Detailing the changes, CAF 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, Patrice Motsepe, noted that the reforms followed extensive consultations with leading African and international football legal experts to ensure alignment with global standards.
“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 and improvements will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again.
“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 reiterated its commitment to appointing highly respected legal professionals to its disciplinary and appeal structures through recommendations from its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
Motsepe added, “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 further disclosed that issues arising from the AFCON 2025 final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, the body said it remains focused on ongoing competitions such as the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League, while also preparing national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Motsepe expressed optimism about Africa’s chances on the global stage.
“We are confident that the African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” he said.