CAF announces reforms to restore trust after AFCON final controversy

CAF has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at strengthening governance, refereeing standards and judicial independence following the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.

In a statement released on Sunday, CAF said the measures were designed to prevent a repeat of the incidents that marred the final and to restore confidence in African football’s administrative and officiating structures.

The reforms come amid ongoing scrutiny of CAF’s decision-making processes, with the fallout from the final — and its subsequent legal dispute — continuing to cast a shadow over the organisation.

Focus on refereeing and judicial integrity

CAF confirmed that it is reviewing its statutes and regulations to reinforce trust in referees, video assistant referees (VAR) and match officials, as well as its disciplinary and appeals committees.

The governing body said it intends to build on the progress made during recent tournaments, noting that officiating standards during previous competitions had been widely praised at both continental and international levels.

However, the events of the AFCON 2025 final exposed weaknesses that CAF now aims to address through stronger oversight and clearer regulatory frameworks.

As part of the reforms, CAF will continue appointing experienced and respected African legal experts to its disciplinary and appeals bodies, with an emphasis on maintaining independence and impartiality.

Appointments will continue to be made through nominations from member associations and regional federations, in line with existing governance structures.

Motsepe outlines structural changes

CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the organisation is undertaking “major structural reforms” to ensure African football meets global standards.

“CAF is currently implementing major structural reforms to its statutes and regulations to enhance confidence in referees, video operators, match commissioners and CAF judicial bodies,” Motsepe said.

“These amendments will also help prevent a recurrence of the unacceptable incidents seen during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”

He added that CAF had engaged legal experts from Africa and beyond to align its regulations with international best practice.

“This approach is essential to maintain the respect, integrity, and credibility of African referees, video operators, and CAF’s disciplinary bodies,” he said.

CAF is also working closely with FIFA to enhance training and professional development for referees and match officials, with a focus on improving performance and ensuring consistency across competitions.

Motsepe stressed the need to further professionalise refereeing across the continent, including improving compensation structures for officials.

Governance and transparency under scrutiny

The reforms come at a time when CAF’s governance has been under increased scrutiny, particularly following the handling of the AFCON final dispute.

Motsepe reiterated the organisation’s commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, highlighting progress made in recent years.

“Our zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct has been recognized and praised by the many sponsors and partners who have joined us,” he said.

“Our commitment to treating all member associations fairly and without favoritism is non-negotiable, and no association will receive preferential treatment.”

CAF said it would continue to review its governance standards and operational practices to strengthen credibility and ensure fairness across all competitions.

Legal process continues

CAF also confirmed that matters relating to the AFCON 2025 final remain under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is expected to deliver a final ruling on the dispute.

The outcome of that process could have significant implications for the organisation’s credibility and the broader perception of governance in African football.

Looking ahead

Despite the controversy, CAF says it remains focused on delivering its ongoing competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, while supporting African teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Motsepe expressed confidence in the continent’s representatives on the global stage.

“We are confident that the African countries participating in the 2026 World Cup will proudly represent the continent,” he said.

As CAF moves to implement its reforms, the organisation faces the challenge of restoring trust while ensuring that the lessons from one of the most controversial episodes in its recent history lead to lasting change.