President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has announced that the continental body will review its regulations and further strengthen the Video Assistant Referee system following controversies that marred the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Motsepe disclosed this in a statement published on the CAF website on Friday, reaffirming CAF’s resolve to safeguard the integrity and global reputation of African football.
“I am absolutely determined, and the CAF Executive Committee, together with the presidents of our 54 member associations, are equally determined to protect and enhance the integrity, reputation and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions,” he said.
The CAF president expressed disappointment over the incidents that occurred during the AFCON final, describing them as unacceptable, while noting that the federation’s judicial bodies had already taken steps in response.
“I am extremely disappointed by the unacceptable incidents that took place at the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025,” Motsepe said. “I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board announced on January 28, 2026, and I respect and will comply fully with the decisions of our judicial bodies.”
Motsepe confirmed that CAF’s Executive Committee would convene to consider amendments to existing regulations, including disciplinary provisions.
“I have called a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee to review CAF regulations, including the Disciplinary Code,” he said.
According to him, the aim of the review is to ensure that CAF’s judicial organs are adequately empowered to impose firm and deterrent sanctions.
“This is to ensure that our judicial bodies can apply appropriate and dissuasive sanctions for serious breaches of CAF statutes, regulations and conduct that undermines the integrity and reputation of African football,” Motsepe explained.
Addressing concerns around officiating, Motsepe said CAF had made notable progress in improving refereeing standards and the use of VAR across competitions but acknowledged the need for further investment.
“Over the past few years, we have significantly improved the quality, independence and expertise of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners,” he said.
He added that CAF would commit additional financial and technical resources to ensure African officiating meets global standards.
“We are determined to invest more resources so that African referees, VAR officials and match commissioners are as good as the very best in the world,” Motsepe stated.
Reflecting on reforms introduced under his leadership, the CAF president highlighted the restructuring of the refereeing system to guarantee independence and credibility.
“One of the first reforms I introduced was ensuring that the CAF Referees Committee is independent and made up of nominees from our 54 member associations, alongside highly respected and qualified referees,” he said.
Motsepe stressed that global perception of African officials remains critical to the continent’s football growth.
“It is important that African referees and match officials are seen, respected and acknowledged as impartial, fair and world class,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that the planned reforms would strengthen African football’s standing worldwide.
“With these additional measures, I am confident that African football and CAF competitions will continue to earn global respect and remain among the best in the world,” Motsepe concluded.
