CAF braces for sweeping referees committee overhaul after Kabene controversies

The Confederation of African Football (CAF ) is reportedly preparing a significant restructuring of its Referees Committee following mounting criticism over officiating controversies in recent African tournaments.

Sources close to the CAF Executive Committee have confirmed to WinWin that the changes, expected to be formalized in the coming weeks, will include the replacement of the current committee chairman and the appointment of a technical director to oversee referee operations.

The decision comes in the wake of contentious incidents, particularly during the recent Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco national football team and Senegal national football team. These controversies have intensified calls within CAF for stronger governance and improved referee management.

Leadership shake-up imminent

Congolese official Olivier Safari Kabene, who has chaired the Referees Committee since October 16, is expected to step down, with the Executive Committee looking to install a new president.

Alongside this change, a technical director role will be introduced to provide expertise and oversight within the committee, a position seen as critical to professionalizing CAF refereeing structures.

Sources indicate that these changes will initially affect select geographic zones within CAF’s governance framework. The goal is to ensure that experienced and competent officials occupy key positions, addressing long-standing concerns about inconsistent decision-making and the absence of clear leadership.

Controversial remarks spark backlash

Kabene’s remarks at the last Executive Committee meeting triggered intense debate. Speaking about the Africa Cup of Nations final, he admitted: “All Senegal players who left the pitch should have been cautioned immediately upon their return, but we gave instructions not to do so, in order to preserve the match and avoid ending it before full time.”

He also announced plans to appoint a technical director and recruit additional experienced personnel to strengthen the committee. However, these statements were widely criticized, with members calling for his removal and the appointment of a more trusted, capable official to lead CAF refereeing efforts.

Executive Committee calls for reform

Several executive members had already voiced concerns about unilateral decision-making by the Referees Committee, urging CAF president Patrice Motsepe to implement reforms, dissolve the committee, and replace its members.

The push reflects frustration over perceived mismanagement and the need for transparency in officiating, especially after high-profile errors during recent continental competitions.

Committee composition and next steps

The Referees Committee currently includes representatives from across Africa, including Mauritania’s Lemghifri Bouchaib for West Africa (UFOA-A), Senegal’s Fatou Gaye, Morocco’s Yahya Hadqa, Algeria’s Djamel Haimoudi, Zambia’s Janny Sikazwe, Ethiopia’s Lydia Tafesse, and officials from Angola, Uganda, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire. South African Victor Gomes serves as deputy chairman.

Once the Executive Committee finalizes the new appointments, the changes will be ratified in line with Article 8 of CAF’s statutes, which stipulate that the committee must comprise a president, vice-president, and nominated members.

The anticipated overhaul represents a decisive move to restore confidence in CAF refereeing ahead of upcoming tournaments and ensure that African football matches are managed with consistency and professionalism.