CAF Overhauls Rules After Chaotic 2025 AFCON Final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced sweeping new regulations following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, with president Patrice Motsepe acknowledging that “deficiencies” in officiating and match management led to the unprecedented controversy.

The final in Rabat initially saw Senegal crowned champions after a 1–0 extra-time win over Morocco. But CAF’s appeal board later overturned the result, awarding the title to Morocco following disciplinary rulings tied to Senegal’s walk-off protest over a late VAR penalty decision.

The match was also marred by security clashes inside the stadium and allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct, including so-called “towelgate”—claims that Senegal’s goalkeeper was interfered with by ball boys and opposition staff.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday, Motsepe said an internal review had been completed.

“We’ve recognised what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents in Morocco,” he said. “We’ve introduced new laws and regulations to ensure that doesn’t happen again.”

CAF is also working to improve officiating standards and VAR consistency across the continent. “African football must be judged by the highest standards of fairness and integrity,” Motsepe added.

The fallout has drawn sharp criticism. Former England international Nigel Reo-Coker said the situation gave other federations “an opportunity to laugh at CAF, at the Africa Cup of Nations, and at Africa as a continent.”

The Senegal Football Federation called the decision to strip them of the title “a robbery” and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where a final ruling is pending. Motsepe confirmed CAF will respect the outcome.

CAF says the new measures focus on VAR governance, security coordination, and clearer disciplinary procedures to prevent a repeat of the chaos that overshadowed the final.