After the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, CAF President Patrice Motsepe is working to restore the integrity of African football. The controversy surrounding what many viewed as overly lenient sanctions against Senegal has reignited criticism of CAF, with the organization accused of being too forgiving toward those responsible for disruptions and too harsh on the victims.
In a statement issued after the disciplinary decisions on January 28, Motsepe did not hide his frustration. While he accepted the rulings officially, he immediately called for a meeting of the Executive Committee to revisit CAF’s internal regulations, especially its disciplinary code. His goal is to give CAF’s judicial bodies the power to issue stronger, more fitting punishments when serious violations occur.
As part of his push to salvage the reputation of African football, Motsepe has pledged deep structural reforms. He says these changes are essential to protect the fairness of CAF competitions and to uphold the continent’s image on the international stage. He made it clear that the current state of affairs cannot continue and that a more credible and consistent system of accountability is necessary.
Since taking office, Motsepe has emphasized transparency and integrity among referees. He highlighted the recent overhaul of the Referees Committee, which is now made up of independent experts from all 54 CAF member associations. These individuals were chosen for their professionalism and impartiality. According to Motsepe, it’s critical that referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners be respected not only for their fairness but also for the quality of their performance.
To reach this standard, he announced increased investment in both the technical resources and the training of match officials. His ambition is to elevate African refereeing to meet the highest global standards.
Despite the backlash and growing pressure, Motsepe remains confident. He believes the current crisis will serve as a turning point, helping African football grow stronger and more credible in the long run.
