CAIRO, Egypt — The Confédération Africaine de Football has announced sweeping reforms to its statutes and regulations aimed at strengthening governance, refereeing standards, and disciplinary processes across African football.
In a statement released Sunday, March 29, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the changes are intended to prevent controversies similar to those that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and restore confidence in the continent’s football administration.
Motsepe said the reforms will enhance the credibility of referees, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials, and judicial bodies ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“This is important for the respect, integrity, and credibility of African referees, VAR operators, and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” Motsepe said.
While CAF did not disclose the specific amendments, the organisation said the reforms were developed using global best practices and with guidance from African and international football legal experts.
The changes target governance structures, officiating standards, and disciplinary independence across its competitions.
CAF said it is working closely with FIFA to provide ongoing training for referees, VAR operators and match commissioners to ensure they meet international standards. Motsepe emphasised the need to professionalise officiating roles and improve compensation to strengthen accountability and performance.
To reinforce judicial independence, CAF said it will continue appointing highly respected judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards. The appointments are made by the CAF Executive Committee and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly following nominations from the organisation’s 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
The continental body also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct, stressing that impartiality and fairness across member associations remain central to the reforms.
Motsepe further assured that CAF will provide support to African nations qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, including technical guidance and administrative backing aimed at improving performance on the global stage.
“The African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” the statement added.
The announcement follows controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final, where the CAF Appeal Board awarded Morocco the title after Senegal forfeited the match following a walk-off protest. Senegal had been leading 1-0 before refusing to continue after a penalty decision, triggering a 17-minute delay and scrutiny over refereeing and disciplinary processes.
CAF said the new governance framework is expected to restore trust in officiating decisions and strengthen institutional credibility ahead of upcoming continental competitions, including the 2027 AFCON in East Africa.
