The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed it is rolling out major reforms to its statutes and regulations in a bid to restore confidence in officiating and disciplinary processes across the continent.
The decision follows the controversies that surrounded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, with CAF determined to ensure similar incidents are not repeated in future competitions.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe stated that the governing body is already working on wide-ranging changes aimed at improving the credibility of referees, VAR officials, match commissioners and its judicial bodies.
“CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations, 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.
“These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the AFCON 2025 final do not happen again.
“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. CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African Referees, VAR Operators and Match Commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world.
“We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well. CAF has made significant progress over the past 5 years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency and managerial best practices.
“Our commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and improper behaviour has been recognised and rewarded by the numerous sponsors and partners that we have gained.”
The reforms are expected to cover both on-field decision-making and off-field disciplinary procedures, as CAF looks to rebuild trust and align its operations with global football standards.
