CAF president Patrice Motsepe has convened an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee following controversial incidents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, January 30, 2026, Motsepe addressed what he described as “unacceptable incidents” that overshadowed the tournament’s conclusion.
His announcement came as Morocco formally appealed sanctions issued by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee on January 28.
Motsepe said the situation highlighted the need to review the current legal framework governing African football.
“We need to reform the Disciplinary Code to give judicial bodies greater powers,” Motsepe said, adding that the aim is to enable CAF to impose “appropriate and dissuasive” sanctions against conduct that damages the reputation of continental competitions.
The extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee, or COMEX, is intended to examine these reforms and discuss how the organisation can strengthen disciplinary procedures.
Motsepe emphasised that while he respects the decisions already made, improvements are necessary to ensure greater fairness and authority in future proceedings.
Beyond disciplinary measures, Motsepe highlighted CAF’s commitment to elevating the standard of refereeing across Africa.
“We are determined to allocate additional financial resources […] to ensure that the impartiality and expertise of African referees and VAR operators are comparable to the best in the world,” Motsepe said.
The remarks signal an ambition to align African officiating with global standards and address concerns over controversial decisions in high-profile matches.
The CAF president’s intervention comes amid heightened tension within African football circles.
By taking a firm stance, Motsepe appears intent on restoring the organisation’s credibility while sending a clear message to member federations that impunity will not be tolerated in major competitions.
As CAF prepares to address both regulatory and operational reforms, all eyes will be on the outcome of the COMEX meeting and its impact on the governance of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
