CAF INTRODUCES NEW REGULATIONS AFTER AFCON 2025 FINAL CONTROVERSY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the introduction of new regulations following the controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Morocco, with President Patrice Motsepe acknowledging “deficiencies” in officiating and match management that contributed to the chaotic conclusion.
The final, staged in Rabat, initially ended with Senegal being declared champions after a 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco. However, the result was later overturned by a CAF appeal committee, which awarded the title to Morocco after disciplinary action linked to Senegal’s protest walk-off following a disputed late VAR penalty decision.
The match was further marred by security disturbances inside the stadium and allegations of unsporting conduct, including the so-called “towelgate” incident, where Senegal’s goalkeeper was reportedly interfered with by ball boys and members of the opposing team’s entourage.
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday, Motsepe said CAF conducted an internal review of the incidents and identified key shortcomings.
He stated: “We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and trust within the football community in our referees and VAR.
“But there are still challenges, and we’ve recognised the deficiencies that led to the unfortunate incidents in Morocco.
“We’ve introduced new laws and regulations to ensure that such situations do not happen again.”
Motsepe added that CAF remains committed to improving refereeing standards and ensuring greater consistency in VAR implementation across Africa.
The controversy has continued to spark global debate, with critics arguing that the handling of the final damaged CAF’s reputation. Former footballer Nigel Reo-Coker said the incident had broader implications for African football’s global image.
“It gives other federations around the world an opportunity to laugh at CAF, the Africa Cup of Nations, and Africa as a continent because of how this situation has been handled,” he said.
The Senegal Football Federation has described the decision to strip Senegal of the title as a “robbery” and has taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where a final ruling is still pending.
Motsepe confirmed that CAF will respect whatever decision is reached by the tribunal.
“We are waiting for the judgment of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and African football is continuing to grow and develop. Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement,” he said.
CAF added that the new measures are aimed at strengthening VAR governance, improving security coordination, and tightening disciplinary procedures to prevent a repeat of the issues that affected the final.
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