The Confédération Africaine de Football said it is implementing changes to its statutes and regulations following incidents during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the aim of strengthening confidence in refereeing and judicial processes.
In a statement, CAF said the reforms are intended to improve trust in referees, video assistant referees (VAR), match commissioners and its disciplinary structures, and to prevent a recurrence of the issues reported during the final.
The organization said the measures include reinforcing the role and independence of its judicial bodies, including the Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. Members of these bodies are appointed by CAF’s executive committee and general assembly from candidates proposed by its 54 member associations and zonal unions.
CAF said it will continue appointing experienced African judges and legal practitioners, emphasizing the need for impartial decision-making.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the governing body had sought input from African and international legal experts to align its rules with global football standards.
“CAF is implementing changes to strengthen confidence in referees, VAR operators, match commissioners and judicial bodies,” Motsepe said.
He added that CAF is working with FIFA on training programs for referees and match officials, and that there are plans to further professionalize refereeing on the continent.
CAF also referenced the performance of referees and VAR officials at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, which it said had received positive feedback.
The governing body said it has introduced governance and compliance measures in recent years, including policies aimed at addressing corruption and improving transparency.
CAF said issues related to the 2025 final are currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The organization added that its current focus includes ongoing club competitions and preparations involving African teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
