CAF Vows to Prevent Repeat of AFCON 2025 Final Incidents with New Rules

The Confederation of African Football has announced reforms to its statutes and regulations aimed at restoring trust in referees, VAR officials and its judicial bodies following controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

In a statement released on March 29, CAF said the changes are intended to “strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF Referees, VAR Operators and Judicial Bodies,” while ensuring that “the incidents that took place at the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again.”

The move comes as the continental football body seeks to rebuild credibility after criticism of officiating decisions during the high-profile final. CAF noted that referees and VAR teams had previously earned “widespread praise and admiration” during the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, and it is determined to regain that reputation.

CAF on Far-reaching Changes

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organization is implementing “far-reaching changes” aligned with global best practices.

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“CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements… which will strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” Motsepe said.

He added that the reforms are backed by legal input from leading African and international football experts to ensure compliance with global standards.

“CAF has taken extensive legal advice… to ensure that the CAF Statutes and Regulations adhere to and implement global football best practices, on and off the field,” he said.

Professionalize Refereeing across Africa

CAF also plans to professionalize refereeing across Africa, including better pay and continuous training in partnership with FIFA.

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“We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well,” Motsepe said.

The organization reiterated its commitment to integrity and fairness, stressing a “zero tolerance for corruption and improper behaviour,” and pledged equal treatment for all 54 member associations.

CAF said it will continue appointing independent and respected African judges and legal professionals to its disciplinary and appeal bodies, underscoring the importance of impartiality.

While legal matters related to the AFCON 2025 final remain before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAF said its immediate focus is on ongoing competitions and preparations for African teams heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The governing body added that it will continue to review and strengthen its regulations to enhance the credibility and global competitiveness of African football.

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