AFCON 2025 fallout: Motsepe vows stiffer sanctions, calls emergency meeting

By Joe Apu

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has called an emergency meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) in response to the unacceptable incidents that occurred during the Finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

Motsepe said the emergency EXCO meeting, the highest decision-making body in CAF outside the Annual Ordinary General Assembly, will review CAF regulations, including the Disciplinary Code, with a view to strengthening the powers of CAF’s judicial bodies to impose firm and dissuasive sanctions for serious violations.

“I am absolutely determined, together with the CAF Executive Committee and the Presidents of our 54 Member Associations, to maintain and advance the integrity, reputation and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions,” Motsepe said.

The CAF President expressed disappointment over the incidents at the AFCON 2025 finals, describing them as unacceptable and harmful to the image of African football. He confirmed that CAF has taken note of the decisions of the CAF Disciplinary Board announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and reiterated his commitment to fully respect and implement the rulings of CAF’s judicial bodies.

Motsepe explained that the emergency EXCO meeting will also consider reforms aimed at further enhancing the integrity of CAF competitions, including measures to reinforce disciplinary frameworks and governance standards.

In addition, he highlighted CAF’s ongoing efforts to raise officiating standards across the continent, noting that significant improvements have been made in the quality, independence and expertise of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners. He disclosed that CAF plans to allocate additional financial and technical resources to ensure African match officials are on par with the best in the world.

Motsepe further reaffirmed that the independence of the CAF Referees Committee remains a cornerstone of his administration, stressing the importance of impartial and world-class officiating in protecting the credibility of CAF competitions.

“I am confident that with the additional changes and extensive measures that will follow this emergency meeting, African football and CAF competitions will continue to be respected, admired and among the best globally,” he added.