CAF ANNOUNCES REFORMS TO RESTORE TRUST IN REFEREES, VAR AFTER AFCON 2025 CONTROVERSY

Read Time:2 Minute, 33 Second

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Confederation of African Football has announced major amendments to its statutes and regulations aimed at boosting confidence in its referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies.

The governing body said the reforms became necessary following controversies that arose during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In a statement published on its website on Sunday, CAF noted that the changes are intended to prevent a recurrence of incidents that marred the tournament’s finale and to restore the credibility and respect of African match officials.

Providing details 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 reforms followed extensive legal consultations with leading African and international football lawyers and experts to align the organisation’s statutes with global best practices.

“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 reaffirmed its commitment to appointing highly respected African judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards.

The appointments are made by the CAF Executive Committee and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly, based on recommendations from the 54 CAF 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 said issues relating to the Morocco 2025 AFCON final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Meanwhile, the body stated that it is prioritising ongoing competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League, while also preparing African national teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.

Motsepe expressed confidence in African teams’ 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.