African Football: Reforms, Crises, and the Restructuring of a System Under Pressure

Introduction

At a time when profound transformations in the global sports world are becoming increasingly evident through the globalization of competition and the concentration of economic interests, African football stands at a historic turning point. For many years regarded primarily as a reservoir of talent, African football is now facing higher expectations in terms of institutional organization and credibility. Caught between international pressures, the growing expectations of local stakeholders, and the obligation to comply with governance standards, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has embarked on an ambitious transformation process. However, this process is unfolding amid a climate of distrust fueled by controversies ranging from refereeing and tournament organization to institutional decision-making.

In response to these tensions, the reforms that have been announced stand out as a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at restoring institutional trust and redefining the balance between governance, sporting performance, and continental sovereignty.

Governance Under Pressure in Search of Legitimacy

In recent years, CAF has faced continuous criticism regarding its governance. Allegations of a lack of transparency, internal tensions, and controversial decisions have weakened the organization's image among national federations, players, and the general public.

The appointment of Patrice Motsepe as president in 2021 generated hope for greater stability. As a South African businessman and the first president to come from the private sector, Motsepe pledged to modernize the organization and strengthen governance standards. Nevertheless, the structural problems inherited from previous administrations continue to affect the institution.

Within this context, the announced reforms are viewed as an effort to rebuild trust. In particular, they aim to strengthen internal auditing mechanisms, increase financial transparency, and professionalize decision-making processes. Patrice Motsepe summarized this approach with the following statement: “The credibility of African football depends on our ability to guarantee integrity and transparency at every level.”

Refereeing at the Heart of Structural Reforms

One of the most significant pillars of the transformation process concerns refereeing. Long regarded as one of the weakest links in African football, this area has generated widespread distrust due to recurring errors, suspicions of bias, and inconsistencies in decision-making.

To address these issues, CAF announced that it is strengthening its cooperation with FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the governing body of world football). This collaboration aims to improve the training of both referees and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) operators, a technology used to review controversial incidents.

The objective is to improve the quality of decisions and reduce the margin of error during critical moments. At the same time, the issue of referee compensation has been brought to the forefront, with plans for salary increases intended to professionalize the profession further and reduce corruption risks.

According to Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, “Continuous education and independence are the fundamental pillars of credible refereeing.”

Expansion and Transformation of Continental Tournaments

One of the most notable decisions is the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams. This measure aims to increase inclusiveness by allowing more countries to participate in the tournament.

From a political perspective, the reform responds to growing demands for broader representation. It provides emerging federations with greater visibility at both continental and international levels. However, this expansion also raises several concerns. Some observers fear that the quality of play may decline and that the tournament could become more difficult to manage. Furthermore, the increased number of matches may place additional pressure on players who already face demanding schedules.

Within this framework, CAF is also proposing a change to the tournament calendar. Beginning in 2028, AFCON is expected to be held every four years. This decision is intended to bring the competition more closely in line with international standards.

Nevertheless, this adjustment remains controversial. Some analysts argue that the change could reduce the visibility of African football and increase its dependence on European leagues.

The CAN 2025 Crisis: A Defining Turning Point

To fully understand the current reforms, it is necessary to examine the events that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament became the center of major controversy, particularly following the final match.

In the aftermath of a final marked by disputed refereeing decisions, the African championship title was awarded to Morocco through an administrative ruling. This development was unprecedented in the history of the tournament. Senegal challenged the decision and referred the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the international judicial body responsible for resolving sports-related disputes.

The matter evolved beyond a purely sporting disagreement and acquired significant legal and political dimensions. While awaiting a final ruling, the fact that both countries have claimed the championship has exposed deep divisions within African football. The symbolic victory parade organized by the Senegalese national team in Paris, during which the team displayed the trophy, highlighted both the scale of the crisis and the open challenge to CAF's decision-making authority.

Women's Football: A Strategic Area of Development

Alongside these crises, CAF continues its efforts to promote the development of women's football. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, forms part of this broader strategy.

The growth of women's football plays an important role in diversifying the sport, promoting equality, and increasing participation. It also creates new opportunities within the rapidly expanding global economy of women's sports. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient media visibility.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Restructuring Process

The reform process initiated by CAF marks a critical period for the future of African football. A delicate balance must be maintained between the desire for modernization and institutional resistance, as well as between international alignment and the pursuit of continental sovereignty.

The success of this transformation will depend largely on the practical implementation of the announced reforms. Restoring trust, ensuring transparency, and guaranteeing sporting fairness are essential conditions for overcoming the current crisis.

From a broader perspective, it is now clear that African football is no longer shaped solely on the field of play. Institutional structures, international legal mechanisms, and power dynamics have become key factors determining its future. In this context, CAF faces a historic responsibility: to transform its crisis of legitimacy into an opportunity for lasting institutional change.

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