CAF president outlines sweeping reforms to prevent repeat of AFCON 2025 controversy

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to deep structural reforms, saying decisive steps are being taken to ensure that the issues witnessed during the AFCON final do not recur.

Addressing the media on Wednesday in Dakar following an official visit, Motsepe explained that CAF is undertaking wide-ranging improvements across its systems, with a focus on strengthening key departments and tightening regulations.

The changes, he noted, are aimed at raising standards across the board while reinforcing the credibility of African football’s governing body.

A central element of the reforms involves aligning certain CAF regulations more closely with those of FIFA.

This move, according to Motsepe, is designed to enhance consistency in governance and ensure that CAF operates within globally accepted frameworks.

The CAF President emphasized that these adjustments are not cosmetic, but part of a broader transformation agenda.

The goal, he suggested, is to build a more accountable, transparent, and professionally run organisation capable of managing the continent’s rapidly growing football landscape.

The reforms also signal a response to recent scrutiny, with CAF seeking to restore confidence among stakeholders, including member associations, players, and supporters.

By strengthening internal controls and improving regulatory oversight, the federation aims to prevent a repeat of past controversies.

For Motsepe, the direction is clear: CAF must not only govern African football effectively but also position it for sustained growth and global competitiveness.