CAF CRACKS DOWN!” New Rules Announced After AFCON 2025 Final Descended Into Chaos

Speaking on May 13, CAF president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged that shortcomings in officiating and match management contributed to the chaotic scenes witnessed during the final in Rabat.

The match had initially ended with Senegal being crowned champions following a 1-0 extra-time victory. However, the result was later reversed by a CAF appeal board, which awarded the title to Morocco after disciplinary findings connected to Senegal’s protest walk-off triggered by a late VAR penalty decision.

The dramatic finale drew heavy backlash amid reports of security disturbances inside the stadium and allegations of unsporting conduct, including the widely discussed “towelgate” incident involving Senegal’s goalkeeper and ball boys.

In an interview with BBC Sport Africa, Motsepe said CAF had conducted an internal assessment of the incidents surrounding the final.

According to him, while progress has been made in restoring confidence in refereeing and VAR systems across African football, the governing body identified several weaknesses that contributed to the unfortunate events in Morocco.

He disclosed that CAF has now introduced new laws and regulations aimed at preventing a repeat of such controversies in future tournaments.

Motsepe added that the organisation remains committed to strengthening officiating standards and improving consistency in the use of VAR technology across the continent, stressing that African football must uphold the highest levels of fairness and integrity.

Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation has described the ruling as a “robbery” and has taken the matter before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a final decision is still being awaited.

Motsepe stated that CAF would respect and implement whatever verdict emerges from the court.

CAF explained that the newly introduced measures are centred on tighter VAR oversight, improved stadium security coordination, and more transparent disciplinary procedures to avoid a repeat of the disorder witnessed during the AFCON final.