CAF To Overhaul VAR, Regulations After AFCON 2025 Final Controversies — Motsepe

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to review its regulations and strengthen the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology following controversies that marred the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, made the disclosure in a statement published on the organisation’s website on Friday, reaffirming CAF’s commitment to protecting the “integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness” of African football.

“I am absolutely determined and the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO), as well as the CAF Member Association Presidents, who represent 54 African countries, are also determined to maintain and advance the integrity, reputation and global competitiveness of African Football and CAF competitions,” Motsepe said.

The CAF President expressed disappointment over the “unacceptable incidences” that occurred during the AFCON 2025 final, adding that he respected the decisions taken by CAF’s judicial structures.

“I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board which was announced on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, and I respect and will adhere to every decision of our CAF Judicial Bodies,” he said.

Motsepe revealed that CAF’s Executive Committee, the highest decision-making body outside the Annual Ordinary General Assembly, would convene to consider changes to its regulatory framework.

“I have called a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) to review the CAF Regulations, including the CAF Disciplinary Code,” he announced.

According to him, the review aims to strengthen the authority of CAF’s judicial bodies to impose tougher sanctions for misconduct and breaches of regulations.

“The objective is to ensure that the CAF Judicial Bodies have the power to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions for serious violations of the CAF Statutes, Regulations, Disciplinary Code and for behaviour and conduct that seriously undermines or harms the reputation, integrity, respect and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions,” he said.

On refereeing and officiating, Motsepe highlighted progress made in recent years but admitted that more investment was needed to achieve world-class standards.

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

“We are determined to allocate additional financial and expert technical resources to ensure that the quality, integrity, impartiality, skills and expertise of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners are as good as the best in the world,” he added.

Motsepe also reflected on reforms he initiated since assuming the CAF presidency, particularly in ensuring the independence of officiating governance.

“One of the first changes that I introduced when I became President of CAF was to ensure that the CAF Referees Committee is independent, impartial and consists of members who were proposed by the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as the best qualified and respected referees in Africa,” he explained.

The CAF boss stressed that perception and credibility remain key for African referees on the global stage.

“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 said.

Motsepe concluded on an optimistic note, expressing confidence in the continued rise of African football.

“I am confident that with the additional changes and extensive measures that we are introducing, African football and CAF competitions will continue to be respected, admired and amongst the best in the world,” he said.