CAF Unveils Major Referee, Judicial Reforms After AFCON Controversy

CAF President Mostepe/CAF Online

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has unveiled wide-ranging reforms to CAF statutes and regulations aimed at restoring trust in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies across African football.

Speaking at a press conference on March 29, Motsepe said the changes are a response to recent controversies, including incidents during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

“These reforms are designed to ensure that what happened in the AFCON Morocco 2025 final does not happen again,” Motsepe said.

The reforms cover refereeing, VAR operations, match commissioners, and CAF’s disciplinary and appeal boards.

Motsepe emphasised the need to regain the respect once enjoyed by African referees, citing their praised performance at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

CAF will continue appointing top African judges and lawyers to disciplinary and appeal boards. 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 said CAF has consulted leading African and international football lawyers to ensure the revised statutes and regulations align with global best practices.

“We have taken extensive legal advice to ensure our statutes adhere to global football standards. This is critical for the integrity, credibility, and respect of African referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies,” he said.

The CAF President stressed that referees and VAR operators must be professionalised and properly compensated for their work. Over the past five years, CAF has strengthened governance, ethics, transparency, and management, earning recognition and support from sponsors and partners.

Motsepe reiterated CAF’s commitment to fairness, stating that all member associations will be treated equally, with no country receiving preferential treatment.

CAF will continue to review and improve football and governance standards to strengthen African football’s competitiveness on the global stage.

While matters related to the AFCON 2025 Morocco final remain under review, CAF’s immediate focus is on ongoing competitions, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Motsepe also highlighted CAF’s support for African nations qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, expressing confidence that the teams will represent the continent with pride.

“These reforms reflect CAF’s broader commitment to credibility, fairness, and excellence in African football. Strengthening trust in refereeing and governance is essential for the future of the game on the continent,” he said.