CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has strongly reaffirmed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) unwavering commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and all CAF competitions.
Speaking on behalf of CAF’s leadership, Dr. Motsepe emphasized that this determination is shared unanimously by the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) and the Presidents of CAF’s 54 Member Associations, representing every African nation affiliated with the confederation.
“The CAF Executive Committee and the Presidents of our 54 Member Associations are absolutely determined, just as I am, to maintain and advance the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions,” Dr. Motsepe stated.
The CAF President expressed deep disappointment over what he described as unacceptable incidents that occurred during the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, stressing that such events undermine the values and standards CAF is working hard to uphold.
Dr. Motsepe confirmed that he has taken note of the decision issued by the CAF Disciplinary Board on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, and underscored his full respect for the independence and authority of CAF’s judicial structures. “I respect and will adhere to every decision of our CAF Judicial Bodies,” he said.
In response to the incidents, Dr. Motsepe announced that he has convened a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, the highest decision-making body within CAF outside the Annual Ordinary General Assembly. The meeting will focus on a comprehensive review of CAF regulations, including the CAF Disciplinary Code, with the objective of strengthening the powers of CAF Judicial Bodies.
The review aims to ensure that CAF’s legal and disciplinary frameworks allow for the imposition of appropriate, effective, and dissuasive sanctions in cases of serious violations of CAF Statutes, Regulations, and the Disciplinary Code, as well as conduct that significantly harms or undermines the integrity, respect, reputation, and global standing of African football and CAF competitions.
Dr. Motsepe also highlighted the significant progress CAF has made in recent years in improving the overall quality, integrity, independence, skills, and technical expertise of African referees, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operators, and match commissioners.
“We have significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners,” he said, adding that CAF is determined to go even further. According to Dr. Motsepe, CAF will allocate additional financial resources and expert technical support to ensure that African officiating standards match the very best in world football.
One of the key reforms introduced during his presidency, Dr. Motsepe explained, was the restructuring of the CAF Referees Committee to guarantee its independence and impartiality. The committee now includes members proposed by the 54 CAF Member Associations, alongside Africa’s most qualified and respected referees.
“It is critically important that African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are perceived, respected, and recognized as impartial, fair, and world-class professionals,” Dr. Motsepe emphasized.
Concluding his remarks, the CAF President expressed confidence that the additional reforms and extensive measures being implemented will strengthen the standing of African football on the global stage.
“I am confident that with these changes and the comprehensive measures we are introducing, African football and CAF competitions will continue to be respected, admired, and ranked among the best in the world,” Dr. Motsepe concluded.
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