AFCON Expansion & Reforms: CAF Unveils Plans to Boost Credibility

CAF shake-up, AFCON to expand, aims to restore trust

CAF announces AFCON expansion to 28 teams and regulation changes to address integrity concerns after controversy surrounds 2025 final.

AFCON to feature 28 teams, with CAF introducing reforms to strengthen referees, VAR, and judicial bodies amid credibility crisis...

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is getting a major boost! CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced that the tournament will expand to 28 teams from 24, citing the organization's “commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent.”

This expansion aims to increase participation and competitiveness across Africa. Motsepe also revealed plans to introduce changes to statutes and regulations to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed in the January 2026 final. “We have to stop this thing of African fixtures not being predictable, consistent and reliable. We must develop football in East Africa, which is an area of much potential,” Motsepe said.

CAF will also introduce a Nations League annually from 2029, with a 16-team final tournament held every two years. The governing body is working with FIFA to improve refereeing standards, VAR operations, and match commissioning.

Patrice Motsepe made the announcement of expansion but didn't reveal the new format or implementation timeline. The 2027 finals will proceed as planned in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda with the current 24-team format.

The expansion aims to increase participation and competitiveness, with Motsepe citing the organization's commitment to world-class football. CAF will also introduce a Nations League annually from 2029, with a 16-team final tournament held every two years

CAF is implementing changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF Referees, VAR Operators and Judicial Bodies. These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 29, 2026

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to undergo significant changes. There's another tournament planned for 2028, after which the event will be held every four years. This shift aims to align AFCON with global competitions like the FIFA World Cup.

CAF also plans to introduce an annual Nations League from 2029, featuring a 16-team final tournament every two years. This new competition will provide more opportunities for national teams to compete and help grow the game across Africa.

“We have to stop this thing of ‌African fixtures not being predictable, consistent and reliable. We must develop football in East Africa, which is an area of much ⁠potential,” Motsepe ⁠said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is shaking things up with new regulation changes aimed at boosting trust in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced these changes, citing the need to restore credibility after the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The decision to strip Senegal of their title has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning CAF's integrity. Motsepe emphasized that CAF is working with FIFA to improve training for referees and VAR operators, and will continue to appoint respected African judges and lawyers to its disciplinary and appeal boards.

VIDEO RELEASE: CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Statement

The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe has reacted to the decision of the CAF Appeal Board, an Independent CAF Tribunal Body that is chaired by a Judge, concerning the Final Match between Morocco and Senegal during the…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 18, 2026

Senegal was stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco in the final. They returned and scored a goal in extra time, winning the game 1-0, but CAF's Appeals Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The Senegalese Football Federation is challenging the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with President Abdoulaye Fall calling it “the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport.” If Senegal wins their appeal, it could deal a significant blow to CAF's credibility.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has stated that they will respect and implement any decision made by CAS, emphasizing the independence of the judicial bodies. Meanwhile, Senegal has paraded the AFCON trophy, refusing to accept the decision, and will wear a star on their jersey to signify their contested victory.

“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 in a statement on Sunday.

"This is important for the respect, integrity and credibility of African referees, VAR operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.

“CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African referees, VAR operators and match commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world... CAF has made significant progress over the past five years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency and managerial best practices,” the CAF president added.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced changes to strengthen trust in referees, VAR operators, and judicial bodies, but didn't provide concrete details. This comes after CAF's Appeal Board stripped Senegal of the Cup of Nations title, sparking widespread criticism and concerns about integrity.

Motsepe had earlier admitted CAF was struggling with perceptions about its integrity. The changes aim to address these concerns, but specifics on how they'll prevent similar controversies are unclear. The Senegalese Football Federation is challenging the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.