The Confederation of African Football (CAF) says it has put measures in place in an attempt to prevent what happened in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) back in January.

CAF has been in the news since the final, which was played in Rabat between hosts Morocco and Senegal on 18 January.

Senegal staged a walkout when Morocco was awarded a late penalty, and after about 15 minutes, play resumed when the West Africans returned to the field. The penalty was saved, and the match went into extra time, with Senegal scoring the winner.

Morocco then launched a protest, and initially, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee only issued fines and bans.

However, CAF’s Appeal Board recently overturned the result, with Morocco being declared the champion, as Senegal forfeited the match 3-0. The matter is still ongoing with Senegal filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

In the meantime, CAF has released a statement stating that there are changes to their regulations to better deal with incidents like what the world witnessed in the AFCON final.

“CAF is implementing changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF Referees, VAR Operators, and Judicial Bodies. These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the incidents that took place at the Final Match of the AFCON 2025 do not happen again,” said CAF.

“The CAF Referees and VAR Operators at the AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 received widespread praise and admiration for their excellent performances, and CAF is determined to regain that respect and admiration.

“CAF will continue with the procedure and practice of appointing the best and most respected African judges and lawyers to the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. These judges and lawyers are appointed by the CAF EXCO and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly from the names proposed and recommended by 54 CAF Member Associations and Zonal Unions. The independence and impartiality of the CAF Judicial Bodies are imperative.”

The President of CAF, Dr. Patrice Motsepe said, “CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations, which will strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board. These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the AFCON 2025, do not happen again. CAF has taken extensive legal advice from top African and international football lawyers and experts, to ensure that the CAF Statutes and Regulations adhere to and implement global football best practices, on and off the field. This is important for the respect, integrity, and credibility of African referees, VAR
Operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.

“CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world. We must also professionalize African referees and VAR operators and pay them well. CAF has made significant progress over the past five years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency, and managerial best practices.

“Our commitment to zero tolerance for Corruption and improper behavior have been recognized and rewarded by the numerous sponsors and partners that we have gained.

“What is also non-negotiable is our commitment and determination to treat each and every Member Association equally and fairly. Under no circumstances will any member association be treated preferentially or favored above any other member association.

“CAF will consistently review and improve on these football and governance global best practices and strengthen the trust and global competitiveness of African Football. The matters relating to the incidents that took place at the final match of the AFCON 2025 is before CAS and the primary focus of CAF currently is on the Confederation Cup, Champions League and the other CAF competitions. CAF is also focused on working together, cooperating and supporting each of the African nations that will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America.

“We are confident that the African nations that are participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud.”