The measures come in response to controversies surrounding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which raised concerns about refereeing decisions, VAR usage, and the integrity of match oversight.
In a statement released on Sunday, CAF said the reforms are aimed at preventing a recurrence of those incidents while rebuilding trust in referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and judicial bodies. Central to the changes is a renewed commitment to appointing highly respected African judges and legal experts to its disciplinary and appeals structures.
CAF emphasized that members of its Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board will continue to be selected through a structured process involving nominations from its 54 member associations and zonal unions, with final appointments made by the Executive Committee and General Assembly. The body stressed that independence and impartiality remain fundamental principles guiding these judicial institutions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the reforms followed extensive consultations with leading legal and football governance experts from Africa and beyond, with the goal of aligning CAF’s rules with international best practices.
He noted that the organization is also working closely with FIFA to enhance the training and development of African referees and VAR officials. According to Motsepe, improving professionalism—including better remuneration—will be key to raising standards to match global benchmarks.
Beyond officiating, CAF reiterated its stance on governance, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and a commitment to fairness among all member associations. Motsepe insisted that no nation would receive preferential treatment under the new framework.
The governing body confirmed that matters arising from the AFCON final are currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as part of ongoing efforts to address the fallout from the tournament.
While implementing these reforms, CAF said it remains focused on its ongoing competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, as well as preparations for African teams heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Motsepe expressed confidence that African nations will perform strongly on the global stage, adding that the reforms mark a significant step toward strengthening the integrity and reputation of football across the continent.