CAF to boost referee, VAR after AFCON 2025 final dispute
The Confederation of African Football has unveiled plans to revise and enhance its statutes and regulations, aiming to reinforce trust in its referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies.
The move comes in the wake of controversial incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe outlined the reforms, emphasizing their purpose and scope.
“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.
He further stressed that the reforms would prevent a repeat of past mistakes.
“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.”
Motsepe explained that the process has involved extensive consultation with top legal experts.
“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.”
