The Confederation of African Football Executive Committee convened on Friday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in a session largely dominated by the aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final held in Morocco.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed being “extremely disappointed” by the incidents that marked the final and suggested that sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee were insufficient, calling for a tightening of the regulatory framework. He also voiced dissatisfaction with the officiating, prompting sensitive discussions among committee members.

According to specialized media reports, Olivier Safari Kabene, Chairman of the Referees Committee, acknowledged issuing instructions aimed at preventing the definitive interruption of the match following the temporary withdrawal of Senegalese players. The regulations, however, called for immediate sanctions upon the players’ return, but it was reportedly decided not to apply the warnings to avoid a situation that could have led to the match ending prematurely.

A strict application of the rules, it was noted, would have left Senegal at a numerical disadvantage as several players were already at risk of booking.

In addition, Kabene reportedly stated that he had not been fully informed of the appointment of certain referees who officiated during the tournament, despite attending preparatory meetings prior to the competition.

If confirmed, these revelations could raise questions about transparency and internal decision-making processes within the continental governing body, highlighting the need for clearer protocols in referee appointments and match oversight.