Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced sweeping reforms to its statutes and regulations, aimed at strengthening football governance and administration across the continent.
In a statement on Sunday, March 29, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the reforms are designed to prevent controversies similar to those experienced during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Motsepe expressed confidence that the changes will restore trust in CAF referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies, particularly ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
While the specific reforms have not been disclosed, CAF emphasized that they are grounded in global best practices and were developed with guidance from top African and international football legal experts.
“This is important for the respect, integrity, and credibility of African referees, VAR operators, and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” Motsepe said.
CAF is working closely with FIFA to provide ongoing training for referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners, ensuring they meet the highest international standards.
Motsepe highlighted the need to professionalize these roles and provide adequate compensation to maintain quality and accountability across African football.
To further strengthen governance, CAF will continue appointing highly respected judges and lawyers to its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards. These appointments are made by the CAF Executive Committee and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly, based on nominations from the 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
CAF said that the independence and impartiality of its judicial bodies is paramount, and the zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct will remain in effect to ensure all Member Associations are treated fairly and equally.
Motsepe also assured that CAF will provide close support to African nations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America, giving them the necessary guidance and resources to compete at the highest level.
“The African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” the CAF statement added.
The announcement comes days after the CAF appeal board awarded Morocco the 2025 AFCON title, overturning the original result after Senegal forfeited the final following a walk-off protest.
Senegal had been leading Morocco 1-0 in the AFCON final on January 18 before refusing to continue the match after a referee-awarded penalty, which led to a 17-minute delay and heightened scrutiny over CAF’s refereeing and disciplinary processes.
