CAF implementing major statute changes to strengthen officiating standards, trust in Judicial Bodies

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations aimed at restoring trust and strengthening confidence in referees, VAR operators, and its judicial bodies after the controversies that marred the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

According to CAF, the reforms are designed to enhance the credibility of match officials and ensure that the incidents witnessed during the AFCON 2025 final are not repeated.

In a statement, the governing body emphasised that these improvements will reinforce integrity across its refereeing system, VAR operations, and disciplinary structures.

The decision comes despite the positive reviews received by referees and VAR officials during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, where performances were widely praised.

The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the independence and impartiality of its judicial bodies. It noted that the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board will continue to be composed of highly respected African judges and legal experts, selected through recommendations from its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions, and appointed by the CAF Executive Committee and General Assembly.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe highlighted the significance of the ongoing reforms, stressing their impact on governance and football development across the continent.

“CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations, which will strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the unacceptable incidents that took place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again. CAF has taken extensive legal advice from top African and international Football lawyers and experts to ensure that the CAF Statutes and Regulations adhere to and implement global Football best practices, on and off the field.

“This is important for the respect, integrity and credibility of African Referees, VAR Operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African Referees, VAR Operators and Match Commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world. We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well. CAF has made significant progress over the past 5 years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency and managerial best practices,” Dr. Motsepe said as quoted on CAFOnline.

He added, “Our commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and improper behaviour has been recognised and rewarded by the numerous sponsors and partners that we have gained. What is also non-negotiable is our commitment and determination to treat each and every Member Association equally and fairly. Under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially or favoured above any other Member Association. CAF will consistently review and improve on these football and governance global best practices and strengthen the trust and global competitiveness of African Football.”

In the statement, CAF acknowledged that the matters relating to the incidents that took place at the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 are before CAS, and the primary focus of CAF currently is on the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the other CAF Competitions.

Dr. Motsepe said CAF is also focused on working together, cooperating and supporting each of the African Nations that will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America.

“We are confident that the African Nations that are participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” the CAF President added.