CAF Moves To Reform Rules After AFCON Final Controversy

Edward Oseghe

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled plans to amend its statutes and regulations in the wake of the controversy that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.

In a statement released on March 29, CAF said the proposed reforms are aimed at rebuilding confidence in its officiating standards and judicial processes following widespread criticism of events surrounding the tournament’s climax.

CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, disclosed that the continental body has engaged leading African and international legal experts to review its regulatory framework and ensure alignment with global best practices.

As part of the overhaul, CAF is also working closely with FIFA to improve the training, professional development, and welfare of referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials across Africa.

Motsepe stressed that the reforms are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the incidents witnessed during the AFCON final, noting that the integrity of the game remains paramount. He added that the organisation would continue to rely on independent and reputable legal professionals to serve on its Disciplinary and Appeal Boards.

The decision to initiate these changes follows the dramatic and contentious final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which drew global attention for the wrong reasons.

The match took a chaotic turn in stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a disputed penalty after a VAR review, citing a foul by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. The decision came shortly after a Senegalese goal had been ruled out, sparking outrage on the bench.

In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw directed his players to leave the pitch, leading to a prolonged interruption before play eventually resumed. Despite the tension, Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a decisive strike from Pape Gueye.

However, the aftermath proved even more contentious. CAF’s Appeal Board, invoking provisions relating to match abandonment, later overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, stripping Senegal of the title.

Senegal have since challenged the ruling, with the case now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as the football world awaits a final verdict on one of the most controversial moments in AFCON history.