AFCON 2026 Latest controversy: CAF to make changes to regulations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would make changes and improvements to its statutes and regulations that would ensure that the farcical scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in January would not happen again.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the changes would boost confidence in referees, VAR operators and judicial authorities, but gave no concrete details.

The announcement followed a meeting of the CAF executive committee in Cairo on Sunday and came on a tumultuous day for the organization as its general secretary resigned.

African football’s governing body is facing a crisis of confidence after the Board of Appeal stripped Senegal of its Cup of Nations title in a decision that was met with widespread ridicule.

READ ALSO | The CAF general secretary resigns amid turbulent times for African football

Senegal is said to have forfeited the final in Rabat on January 18 after walking off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco. They returned and scored a goal in extra time to win the match 1–0.

The decision is being challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and if Senegal regains its title it will be another blow to CAF’s credibility.

“CAF has sought extensive legal advice from African and international football lawyers and experts to ensure that the CAF statutes and regulations adhere to and implement best practices in global football, both on and off the field,” Motsepe said in a statement on Sunday.

“This is important for the respect, integrity and credibility of African referees, VAR operators and the CAF Disciplinary and Appeal Council.

READ ALSO | Lap of victory, a Youssou Ndour concert: how Senegal paraded the AFCON trophy despite being stripped of the title

“CAF is working with FIFA for the continuous training of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world… CAF has made significant progress over the past five years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency and best management practices,” the CAF President added.

More precise details about the changes and how they could prevent a repeat of the last Cup of Nations controversy were not provided by Motsepe, who admitted earlier this month that his organization was struggling with perceptions about its integrity.

CAF president respects CAS decision

Motsepe said on Sunday he will “respect” the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Senegal’s appeal against the deprivation of its Africa Cup of Nations title.

«I will respect and implement the CAS decision. My personal opinion on the matter is not relevant,» Motsepe told a news conference in Cairo after a meeting of CAF executives.

Motsepe said he would visit Senegal and Morocco, without giving dates, to emphasize the importance of “working together to grow African football”.

Published on March 29, 2026