The Confederation of African Football (Confederation of African Football) has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening confidence in referees, VAR officials, and its judicial bodies following controversies at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a statement on Sunday, CAF said the changes are designed to improve transparency, restore credibility, and prevent a repeat of incidents that affected the tournament’s final.
The organisation said it will continue appointing respected African judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards through its Executive Committee and General Assembly, based on recommendations from member associations and zonal unions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the reforms followed extensive consultations with football legal experts and are intended to align CAF’s structures with global best practices.
He added that the changes will improve trust in referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners, while ensuring greater professionalism and fair treatment across all member associations.
Motsepe also stressed that CAF is working with FIFA to enhance training for African referees and VAR officials, as well as improve their welfare.
CAF reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, saying all member associations will be treated equally without favoritism.
The body noted that issues arising from the AFCON 2025 final are currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while preparations continue for ongoing club competitions and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CAF expressed confidence that African teams will perform strongly at the upcoming global tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
