CAF introduces major reforms after AFCON 2025 final controversy

The Confederation of African Football has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at restoring confidence in refereeing and VAR operations following controversies during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final.

In a statement released on Sunday, CAF confirmed that the measures are designed to strengthen the credibility of African referees, video assistant referees, and its judicial bodies, including the disciplinary panel and Appeals Committee.

The governing body said the changes are also intended to prevent a repeat of the incidents that overshadowed the final in Morocco.

CAF outlined that it will continue appointing highly experienced and respected African legal professionals to its Disciplinary Jury and Appeals Committee.

These appointments, it said, are made by the Executive Committee and the Ordinary General Assembly, based on nominations from its 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

The organisation emphasised that independence and impartiality remain central to the functioning of its judicial structures, underlining their importance in maintaining trust across African football.

Quoted in the statement, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the reforms form part of broader structural adjustments currently being implemented.

“CAF will continue its policy of appointing some of the most experienced and respected African judges and lawyers to the Disciplinary Jury and the Appeals Committee.

These appointments are made by the CAF Executive Committee and the Ordinary General Assembly, based on nominations submitted by the 54 Member Associations and the Zonal Unions,” the same source specifies.

He added: “is currently implementing significant structural reforms to its Statutes and Regulations in order to strengthen confidence in referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and CAF’s judicial bodies.

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

Motsepe further noted that CAF has drawn on the expertise of sports law specialists from both Africa and beyond to align its regulatory framework with international standards in football governance.

The announcement comes as CAF seeks to reinforce transparency and accountability within its competitions, following scrutiny over officiating decisions and the role of VAR during one of the continent’s biggest football events.