The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sweeping reforms to its statutes and regulations aimed at restoring confidence in referees, VAR officials, and its judicial processes.
The move follows controversies surrounding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which the organisation said highlighted the need for stronger governance and accountability.
In a statement, CAF emphasised its commitment to improving oversight and professionalism across officiating and disciplinary structures.
“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 said the reforms were developed following consultations with leading legal and football experts.
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“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.”
Motsepe added that CAF is working closely with FIFA to enhance training and standards. He said:
“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.”
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