The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced sweeping reforms aimed at rebuilding trust in refereeing, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations, and its judicial system following the controversy that trailed the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, CAF acknowledged growing concerns over officiating standards and disciplinary procedures, noting that the new measures are designed to strengthen transparency, integrity, and adherence to global best practices across African football.
The football governing body said the reforms would ensure that the incidents recorded during the AFCON 2025 final are not repeated. These changes include improvements to its statutes and regulations, particularly focusing on referees, VAR officials, and judicial panels such as the Disciplinary and Appeal Boards.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, stressed that the reforms are critical to maintaining the credibility of the sport on the continent. He noted that CAF has consulted both African and international legal experts to align its systems with global standards.
According to him, strengthening the independence and impartiality of judicial bodies remains central to the reform agenda. He added that respected African judges and legal professionals will continue to be appointed through established processes involving the Executive Committee and ratification by the General Assembly.
Motsepe also highlighted the need to improve the welfare, training, and professional standards of referees and VAR operators, describing these steps as essential to enhancing performance and accountability.
The announcement follows intense scrutiny of CAF’s decisions after the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. The match was marred by controversy, including a prolonged on-field protest by Senegalese players over a penalty decision.
CAF later overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win—a move that sparked widespread debate across the football community. Senegal subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the matter is still being contested.
Despite the ruling, Senegal’s national team has continued to assert its claim to the title. During a recent international friendly in Paris, the players publicly displayed the AFCON trophy in a symbolic gesture of defiance.
Head coach Pape Thiaw maintained that his team earned the title on merit, insisting that results on the pitch should remain the ultimate determinant of victory.
CAF reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, while emphasizing fairness and equal treatment for all member associations. The body also expressed confidence in African teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that ongoing reforms will enhance the global competitiveness of the continent’s football.