CAF Moves to Fix Rules After AFCON Final Chaos
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pledged sweeping reforms to its statutes following the controversial 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, as the body grapples with a growing crisis of credibility over its handling of the tournament’s outcome. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the proposed changes are aimed at restoring confidence in officiating and governance structures, particularly referees, VAR officials, and judicial bodies. However, he stopped short of providing specific measures or timelines for implementation.
Executive Committee Meeting and Internal Upheaval
The announcement came after a CAF executive committee meeting in Cairo on Sunday, a day that also saw further upheaval within the organisation following the resignation of its general secretary, adding to the sense of instability at the top of African football administration. CAF has faced intense scrutiny since its Appeal Board stripped the Senegal national football team of their AFCON title in a decision widely criticised across the football community.
Chaotic Scenes During the Final
The ruling stemmed from chaotic scenes during the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a contentious penalty was awarded to the Morocco national football team. Despite returning to complete the match and scoring a decisive goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory, CAF later deemed Senegal to have forfeited the game. The decision has triggered widespread derision and raised serious questions about consistency and fairness in CAF’s disciplinary processes.
Senegal's Appeal to CAS
Senegal have taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn the ruling. A successful appeal would not only restore their title but also deal a significant blow to CAF’s already fragile reputation. Motsepe acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stressing that CAF had sought extensive legal advice from both African and international experts to align its rules with global best practices.
Focus on Training and Reforms
CAF is working with FIFA on the ongoing training of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world, Motsepe said. He added that reforms would focus on strengthening integrity, transparency, and professionalism within CAF’s structures, insisting that progress had already been made over the past five years in governance and ethics.
Criticism and Ongoing Concerns
However, the absence of concrete reform details has done little to quell concerns, with critics arguing that structural weaknesses, particularly in officiating and disciplinary systems, remain unaddressed. Motsepe had earlier admitted that CAF is grappling with negative perceptions about its integrity, a sentiment reinforced by the fallout from the AFCON final and internal administrative turmoil.
With the CAS ruling pending and stakeholders demanding accountability, CAF now faces mounting pressure to translate its reform promises into tangible action or risk further erosion of trust in African football’s highest governing body.
