The President of the African Football Confederation (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, confirmed on Friday the firm determination of "CAF" to preserve the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and "CAF" competitions and to develop them.
The "CAF" President said, according to what was stated on the official website of the federation, "I am absolutely determined, as is the Executive Committee of "CAF", along with the presidents of the member federations of "CAF", who represent 54 African countries, to preserve the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and "CAF" competitions and to develop them. He added, "I was very disappointed by the unacceptable incidents that occurred in the finals of the African Cup of Nations, Total Energies, Morocco 2025. I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Committee, which was announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and I respect and will abide by every decision issued by the judicial bodies of CAF." Motsepe continued: "I have called for a meeting of the Executive Committee of "CAF", which is the highest decision-making body in "CAF", outside the annual ordinary general assembly of "CAF", in order to review the "CAF" regulations, including the Disciplinary Code. Motsepe clarifies, "to ensure that the judicial bodies of CAF have the necessary powers to impose appropriate and deterrent penalties for serious violations of the statutes, regulations, and the CAF Disciplinary Code, and for behaviors and actions that undermine or seriously harm the reputation, integrity, respect, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions." He went on: "Over the past few years, we have significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills, and expertise of African referees, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operators, and match observers," adding: "We are determined to allocate additional financial resources and specialized technical expertise to ensure that the quality, integrity, neutrality, skills, and expertise of African referees, Video Assistant Referee operators, and match observers are at the best level in the world." He pointed out that "among the first changes I introduced when I took over the presidency of "CAF" was to ensure that the "CAF" Referees Committee is independent and neutral, and that it consists of members nominated by the 54 member federations of "CAF", in addition to the best qualified and respected referees in Africa," adding that "it is very important that African referees, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operators, and match observers are seen, respected, and recognized as neutral, fair, and of a global standard." Motsepe stressed that "he is confident that with the additional changes and extensive measures we are introducing, African football and "CAF" competitions will continue to gain respect and admiration, and be among the best in the world."
