CAF reforms after AFCON final announced as President Motsepe pledges stronger regulations and enhanced refereeing to protect African football

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football, following violent incidents during the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Also read: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco with heavy sanctions after AFCON final chaos

Motsepe expressed his disappointment over the scuffle involving Senegalese and Moroccan players at the AFCON final and confirmed adherence to all rulings issued by CAF’s judicial structures.

“I am extremely disappointed with the unacceptable incidences that took place at the Finals… I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board and will respect and adhere to every decision of our CAF Judicial Bodies,” he said in a statement published on the CAF website on Friday.

The CAF President announced that the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) would convene outside the Annual Ordinary General Assembly to review CAF regulations, including the Disciplinary Code.

The objective is to ensure judicial bodies are empowered to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions for serious violations, safeguarding the reputation and global standing of African football.

Motsepe also addressed refereeing and match officiating, noting progress made in recent years and pledging further investment to strengthen standards.

“We have significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills and expertise of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners,” he said.

He added that CAF would allocate additional financial and technical resources to ensure officials are as competent and impartial as the best in the world.

Highlighting reforms under his presidency, Motsepe pointed to the independence and impartiality of the CAF Referees Committee, which comprises representatives from all 54 CAF Member Associations and the most qualified referees in Africa.

“It is very important that African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners are perceived, respected and acknowledged as being impartial, fair and world class,” he added.

Motsepe concluded with a confident outlook for African football: “I am confident that with the additional changes and extensive measures that we are introducing,