The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations, signaling a decisive attempt to restore credibility and strengthen governance across African football following the controversy that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In an official media statement released after its Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, CAF confirmed that it is implementing “far-reaching changes and improvements” to its regulatory framework, with a strong focus on refereeing standards, VAR operations, and the integrity of its judicial bodies. The reforms come in response to widespread criticism triggered by the handling of the AFCON final, where a contentious decision and subsequent disciplinary ruling sparked a crisis of confidence in the organisation.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged the need for urgent reform, stating that the changes are designed to rebuild trust in the system. He said the overhaul would “strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners, and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” underscoring the governing body’s commitment to institutional credibility.
The regulatory reforms are being developed in consultation with leading African and international football legal experts to ensure alignment with global best practices. According to Motsepe, CAF has “taken extensive legal advice” to ensure its statutes meet international standards both on and off the pitch, reflecting a broader effort to professionalise operations and eliminate inconsistencies in decision-making.
A key pillar of the reform agenda is the improvement of officiating across competitions. CAF confirmed it is working closely with FIFA to enhance the training and development of referees, VAR officials, and match commissioners, with the aim of raising performance levels to match global benchmarks.
Beyond officiating, the organisation reiterated its commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and ethical standards. Motsepe stressed that impartiality within CAF’s disciplinary and appeal structures remains “imperative,” while also warning against favoritism among member associations. He stated that “under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially,” reinforcing the body’s stance on fairness and equality.
The reforms are also intended to prevent a repeat of the controversial scenes witnessed during the AFCON final, which saw the outcome overturned by CAF’s Appeal Board under existing regulations—an unprecedented decision that has since been challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
While CAF did not disclose detailed amendments to specific rules, the governing body made clear that the regulatory overhaul forms part of a broader institutional reset aimed at safeguarding the integrity of African football and restoring stakeholder confidence.
