CAF MOVES TO STRENGTHEN REFEREEING, VAR AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM AFTER AFCON 2025 INCIDENTS

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to implement significant changes to its statutes and regulations aimed at strengthening trust and confidence in refereeing, VAR operations, and its judicial bodies. The move follows controversial incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

According to CAF, the reforms are designed to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in future competitions. The governing body emphasized that improving the credibility of match officials and disciplinary structures is essential to maintaining the integrity of African football.

CAF acknowledged that referees and VAR operators received widespread praise during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where officiating standards were widely applauded. The organization said it is determined to regain that level of respect and confidence across its competitions.

The football body also reaffirmed its commitment to appointing highly respected African judges and legal experts to its disciplinary and appeal boards. These officials are nominated by CAF’s 54 member associations and zonal unions before being approved by the executive committee and the general assembly, ensuring independence and impartiality in disciplinary matters.

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CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that the reforms are part of broader efforts to align African football governance with global best practices. He noted that CAF has consulted leading African and international football lawyers to ensure the updated statutes strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity both on and off the pitch.

Motsepe added that CAF will continue working closely with FIFA to train referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners, while also pushing for the professionalization and better remuneration of match officials. The organization also reiterated its commitment to equal treatment of all member associations and expressed confidence that African teams will make the continent proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.