In the wake of the storm surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, the Confederation of African Football has unveiled a far-reaching package of reforms aimed at restoring credibility and tightening oversight across the African game.
The governing body’s latest measures arrive amid lingering concerns over officiating decisions and administrative handling during the tournament’s climax, issues that have since cast a shadow over the competition’s integrity. CAF now says it is determined to ensure such controversies are not repeated.
At the heart of the overhaul is a renewed focus on strengthening refereeing standards, improving the use and accountability of VAR, and reinforcing the independence of judicial structures, including disciplinary and appeals committees.
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CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that the reforms are rooted in extensive consultation with leading legal minds across both Africa and the international football landscape. According to him, the objective is clear: align CAF’s regulatory framework with the highest global benchmarks while safeguarding fairness and transparency.
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.”
Beyond officiating, CAF is also tightening its governance architecture by continuing to appoint independent, reputable legal professionals to key judicial bodies—a move intended to reinforce neutrality and eliminate any perception of bias.
Motsepe further underlined the organization’s uncompromising stance on ethical conduct and equality among its 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.
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CAF will consistently review and improve on these football and governance global best practices and strengthen the trust and global competitiveness of African football.”
The reforms form part of a broader strategic push by CAF to modernize its systems, elevate professional standards, and rebuild confidence among stakeholders, ensuring African football not only protects its reputation but also competes at the highest level globally.
