The Confederation of African Football will begin paying referees and VAR operators as full-time professionals, marking a first for the governing body following controversies that affected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed the changes on Sunday, saying match officials will receive structured contracts and salaries, alongside expanded training programmes delivered in partnership with FIFA.
The reforms are aimed at raising officiating standards to match those in Europe and South America, where referees operate on a full-time basis.
The decision follows widespread criticism of officiating in the AFCON 2025 final, with several incidents now under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAF acknowledged the fallout damaged confidence in its competitions and said the new measures are intended to restore credibility.
Under the reforms, referees and VAR officials will transition from part-time roles to professional status, supported by continuous technical training aligned with global benchmarks.
CAF also said appointments to its disciplinary bodies, including judges and legal panels, will follow more transparent processes to strengthen independence.
The move addresses long-standing concerns around African officiating, where low pay and limited institutional support have been linked to inconsistency and allegations of bias. CAF believes formal contracts and improved working conditions will reduce corruption risks and improve decision-making standards.
The governing body added that sponsors have responded positively to the reforms, citing its stated “zero tolerance for corruption” as a key factor in attracting new commercial partners.
CAF’s immediate priorities remain its ongoing club competitions, including the Champions League and Confederation Cup, as well as preparations for African teams heading to the FIFA World Cup in the United States in June.
