By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that it will move forward with implementing changes and improvements by appointing the “best and most respected” African judges and lawyers to the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.
CAF said it aims to prevent incidents like those that occurred at the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 from happening again.
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CAF President Patrice Motsepe said earlier this week that these “far-reaching” changes and enhancements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will bolster trust and confidence in CAF referees, VAR operators, match commissioners, and the boards.
“CAF has taken extensive legal advice from top African and international football lawyers and experts, to ensure that the CAF Statutes and Regulations adhere to and implement global football best practices, on and off the field,” Motsepe said.
“CAF is working with FIFA to provide ongoing training for African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners, aiming for them to be as proficient as the best in the world.”
Motsepe emphasised the importance of professionalising African referees and VAR operators and ensuring they are adequately paid.
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He also mentioned that CAF has made significant progress over the past five years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency, and managerial best practices.
He said, CAF remains committed to zero tolerance for corruption and improper behaviour, a stance that has been recognised and rewarded by numerous sponsors and partners.
“What is also non-negotiable is our commitment and determination to treat each and every Member Association equally and fairly,” he said.
“Under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially or favoured above any other.”
Motsepe noted that CAF will continually review and enhance these football and governance best practices to strengthen the trust and global competitiveness of African football.
He reaffirmed that ongoing issues concerning the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 are before CAS. Currently, CAF’s primary focus is on the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, and other CAF competitions. The organisation is also dedicated to working collaboratively, cooperating, and supporting each and every African nation participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America.
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“We are confident that the African nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” he said.
During the match, the Senegal National Team was declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the AFCON Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
CAF said that the Appeal Board ruled that Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team, Ismaël Saibari, had committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code, and that this ruling was partially upheld.
“The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended,” CAF said.
“The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr Saibari is set aside.”
CAF also announced that the fine related to the ball boys incident has been reduced to USD 50,000. Additionally, a fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) concerning interference around the OFR/VAR review area was confirmed.