Confederation of African Football. Photo: CAF
The Confederation of African Football, Confederation of African Football, says it has added new regulations following the controversy that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final in Morocco, with president Patrice Motsepe admitting that “deficiencies” in officiating and match management contributed to the chaotic ending.
The final, held in Rabat, saw Senegal initially declared champions after a 1–0 extra-time win over Morocco. However, the result was later overturned by a CAF appeal board, with the title awarded to Morocco following disciplinary rulings tied to Senegal’s protest walk-off after a late VAR penalty decision.
The match also drew widespread criticism due to security clashes inside the stadium and accusations of unsportsmanlike behaviour, including incidents dubbed “towelgate,” where Senegal’s goalkeeper was reportedly interfered with by ball boys and opposing personnel.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday, Motsepe said CAF had carried out an internal review of the incidents.
“We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and the trust amongst the football community of our referees and of our VAR.
“But there are still these challenges, and we’ve recognised what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.
“We’ve introduced new laws, new regulations which will ensure that doesn’t happen again,” he said.
Motsepe added that CAF is still working to strengthen officiating standards and VAR consistency across the continent.
“We are continuing to improve the system, because African football must be judged by the highest standards of fairness and integrity,” he said.
The controversy has continued to generate debate across the football world, with critics arguing that the handling of the final damaged CAF’s credibility. Former footballer Nigel Reo-Coker said the situation had wider consequences for the continent’s image in global football.
“It gives other federations around the world an opportunity to laugh at CAF, to laugh at the Africa Cup of Nations, and laugh at Africa as a continent because of how this whole situation has been handled,” he said.
The Senegal Football Federation has described the decision to strip Senegal of the title as a “robbery” and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a final ruling is still pending.
Motsepe confirmed that CAF will respect the outcome of the legal process.
“We are waiting for the judgment of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and African football is continuing to grow and develop,” he said. “Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement.”
CAF says the newly introduced measures are aimed at improving VAR governance, strengthening security coordination, and ensuring clearer disciplinary procedures to prevent a repeat of the incidents that marred the final.
