The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced several changes to its statutes and regulations in a bid to rebuild trust in match officials and strengthen governance across African football.
The reforms come in response to incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, with CAF emphasizing that the new measures are designed to prevent a repeat of such controversies.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the changes will improve confidence in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies, including the disciplinary and appeal boards.
He noted that CAF is working closely with FIFA to enhance training standards for referees and match officials, while also pushing for better pay and professionalization.
He stated: “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.
“We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well.”
Motsepe added that CAF will continue appointing independent and respected legal experts to its judicial bodies to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Motsepe reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and equal treatment of all member associations.
“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.”
CAF says the reforms are part of broader efforts to align African football with global best practices and to protect the integrity and credibility of the game on the continent.