AFCON 2025: CAF President Patrice Motsepe predicts world-class officiating at tournament

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed confidence in African referees ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

The 35^th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to be held in the North Africa nation from December 21 to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

However, Patrice Motsepe has eulogized African referees, while predicting a world-class officiating at the tournament.

“I will meet with all the referees tonight, and I will tell them, as I always tell them, that I am proud of them; they represent the best in the world.” He said at quoted by Moroccan newspaper Al-Botola.

“Independence, integrity and credibility are very important, and what we like is that every match will use video technology.”

“I would also like to thank FIFA because some of our referees from the African continent have participated in a number of the biggest tournaments in the world… I am confident that the referees will be of a world-class standard.” He said.

Morocco and Comoros will open the Africa Cup of Nations in a high-stake clash, scheduled at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday evening.