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Tag: CAF

  • AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    • Calls for stiffer punishment on laser usage in African football

    Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, former Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Board of Appeal, has commended the continental soccer ruling body for sanctions handed down following disorderly behavior by officials, players, and fans during the ill-fated 2025 AFCON Final between Morocco and Senegal on January 18 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

    CAF’s Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday sanctioned several individuals involved in the melee, including suspending Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five games and fining him $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” after he instructed his players to leave the pitch during the final.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    The Senegalese federation was fined $615,000 for the team’s conduct and fan behavior, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

    Hosts Morocco were also sanctioned with fines totaling $315,000 for ball boy conduct, player and staff behavior in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

    Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi (two CAF matches, one suspended for a year) and Ismael Saibari (three CAF matches) were suspended for unsporting conduct after attempting to remove pitch-side towels from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during torrential rain in Rabat.

    However, Morocco’s bid to overturn the match result—following Senegal players’ pitch exit that caused a 14-minute delay—was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.

    Uchegbulam, former 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the penalties were appropriate and commended the panel for delivering balanced judgment.

    “Frankly, I think the sanctions meted out to both countries, especially Senegal, were in order,” Uchegbulam, who adjudicated disciplinary matters at CAF for 12 uninterrupted years between 2006 and 2018, told NationSports. “The committee showed courage in their handling of Senegal because harsh decisions could have jeopardized their campaign at the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.”

    Uchegbulam argued it would have been wrong for CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to grant Morocco’s request to overturn the result. “They cannot strip Senegal of their title since the match was concluded,” he stated.

    Nevertheless, Uchegbulam told NationSports he expected stiffer sanctions regarding laser use by Moroccan fans and Atlas Lions captain Hakimi’s conduct to serve as future deterrents.

    “They should have imposed a bigger penalty for laser use because this has become rampant with North African fans. It’s very unsportsmanlike, and they do this even at club competition level,” he said matter-of-factly.

    “As for Hakimi, I’m disappointed in his behavior. Can he do all of that in Europe where he plays for PSG? He deserved a bigger punishment.”

  • AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Senegal and hosts Morocco after disorder marred the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.

    CAF said its Disciplinary Board punished the Senegalese and Moroccan federations, players and officials for breaching the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the finals..

    Senegal edged Morocco 1–0 after extra time, but protests, pitch confrontations and crowd unrest followed a controversial Video Assistant Referee decision late in the match.

    CAF handed Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw a five-match suspension for unsporting conduct and fined him 100,000 dollars for bringing the game into disrepute.

    Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match CAF bans for unsporting behaviour.

    The Senegal federation was fined 615,000 dollars.

    Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi got a two-match suspension, one suspended for a year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and 100,000-dollar fine.

    Read Also: Super Falcons to grace WAFU B  tourney ahead of WAFCON

    The Moroccan federation was fined 315,000 dollars for ball boys’ misconduct, VAR area invasion by officials and players, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

    CAF also dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging regulatory breaches by Senegal, ruling that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.

    The final descended into chaos after a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco triggered protests and a brief walk-off by Senegalese players, halting play for nearly 20 minutes.

    Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, before Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s historic victory.

    Before the sanctions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents, describing the scenes as unacceptable.

    “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.

    “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said.

    “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

    CAF said the sanctions underscored its stance on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, closing a turbulent chapter of AFCON 2025.

    (NAN)

  • FULL LIST: Five African countries with most CAF accredited stadiums

    FULL LIST: Five African countries with most CAF accredited stadiums

    African football infrastructure continues to gain global attention as more countries invest heavily in modern stadiums that meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. CAF-approved stadiums are critical for hosting continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and other international fixtures, serving as a benchmark for safety, pitch quality, media facilities, and spectator comfort.

    In recent years, the race to upgrade sporting infrastructure has intensified across the continent, driven by the desire to host major tournaments and improve domestic football experiences. A review of CAF-approved stadiums across Africa shows a clear group of countries leading the way in meeting these standards.

    Morocco (12 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Morocco tops the list with an impressive 12 CAF-approved stadiums, underlining the country’s long-term commitment to football development and infrastructure excellence. The North African nation has invested heavily in modernizing existing facilities and constructing new stadiums capable of hosting high-profile continental and international matches. Morocco’s dominance in this category has played a major role in its frequent hosting of CAF competitions and its successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

    Read Also: CAF Champions League: Rivers United hold Power Dynamos, secure first point

    South Africa (10 CAF-approved stadiums)

    South Africa ranks second with 10 CAF-approved stadiums, many of which were built or extensively renovated ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The country boasts world-class facilities spread across major cities, providing a strong backbone for domestic leagues and continental competitions. South Africa’s infrastructure continues to position it as a reliable host for major football events in Africa.

    Algeria (7 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Algeria occupies third place with seven CAF-approved stadiums, reflecting recent investments in sports infrastructure. The country has upgraded several facilities to international standards, supporting both club and national team competitions. Algeria’s steady rise in approved venues has enhanced its capacity to host CAF tournaments and international fixtures.

    Côte d’Ivoire (6 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Côte d’Ivoire follows closely with six CAF-approved stadiums, a significant achievement boosted by preparations for hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Extensive renovations and new constructions ensured that stadiums across the country met CAF requirements, leaving a lasting legacy for Ivorian football and future continental engagements.

    Egypt (5 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Egypt rounds out the top five with five CAF-approved stadiums, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. With a rich history of hosting major tournaments, Egypt’s stadiums continue to meet CAF standards, supporting its clubs’ regular participation in continental competitions and its national team’s international commitments.

    Overall, the distribution of CAF-approved stadiums highlights the growing importance of infrastructure in shaping African football’s future. Countries at the top of the list have shown that sustained investment in facilities not only enhances their ability to host major tournaments but also strengthens domestic leagues and player development. 

  • CAF Confirms Ghana’s Laryea for Morocco, Nigeria semi-finals

    CAF Confirms Ghana’s Laryea for Morocco, Nigeria semi-finals

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Ghana’s Daniel Nii Laryea as  the centre when Nigeria and Morocco clash in their  semi-final  match  at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tonight.

    The encounter will hold at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Rabat.

    Laryea was the VAR official for Morocco’s 2-0  quarter-final win against Cameroon.

    Earlier, he demonstrated his on-field authority as centre referee when Algeria faced Burkina Faso in the group stage.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    The 39-year-old is recognized as one of Africa’s top referees.

    He has officiated in multiple AFCON editions, CAF Champions League, and Confederation Cup fixtures, consistently commanding respect for his fairness and ability to manage tense matches.

    The game will kick-off at 9pm Nigeria time.

  • CAF opens disciplinary probe over aftermath of Nigeria’s victory over Algeria

    CAF opens disciplinary probe over aftermath of Nigeria’s victory over Algeria

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a disciplinary investigation following violent scenes that erupted after Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech.

    Although Nigeria sealed qualification for the semi-finals, the aftermath of the encounter descended into chaos on the pitch and in surrounding areas of the stadium.

    At full-time, several Algerian players confronted referee Issa Sy and his assistants over disputed decisions, surrounding the officiating crew in a heated standoff. 

    Security officials were forced to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating into physical confrontation between the two teams.

    The tension spilled into the stands, where visibly frustrated supporters of Algeria reportedly attempted to breach security barriers and vandalised parts of the stadium before stewards managed to restore order.

    More troubling incidents were reported in the mixed zone reserved for journalists. According to multiple accounts, some Algerian reporters allegedly verbally and physically assaulted Moroccan journalists, raising serious concerns about safety in restricted and controlled media areas.

    CAF, speaking through reports cited by Africa Soccer, confirmed it has begun reviewing official submissions from match officials, security personnel, and media representatives involved in the incident.

    Disciplinary measures are expected in the coming days, with the outcome likely to serve as a major test of CAF’s commitment to maintaining discipline, protecting participants, and preserving the integrity of the continent’s premier football tournament.

  • TECNO, CAF unveil sponsorship initiative

    TECNO, CAF unveil sponsorship initiative

    TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, today unveiled a major evolution of its flagship football charity program of DreamOnTheField with the launch of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative.

    The announcement represents a pivotal moment in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football, expanding beyond infrastructure investment to direct youth talent development.

    This launch exemplified the TECNO x CAF partnership’s commitment to community engagement and transparency. TECNO executives joined CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, football legends Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, Nigerian artist and TECNO Power Moment Featured Artist Joeboy, along with customers and key opinion leaders to witness the launch.

    The Dream On The Field program, which began as an infrastructure initiative, now has evolved into a holistic ecosystem for African football development. The Dream On The Field program, launched by TECNO, has already made a tangible impact across the continent with eight completed pitch renovations. Seven additional projects are currently underway in different African countries. TECNO has committed to an ambitious target: renewing 100 pitches across Africa in the coming years, creating a continent-wide network of development centers that will serve millions of young players.

    Today’s announcement of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative represents the natural evolution of this initiative. By combining pitch infrastructure with youth player development, the collaboration creates a complete pathway from grassroots participation to professional elite development.

    “Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation, it is about building foundations for dreams,” said Hassan Elkamah, Commercial Director of CAF. “From revitalizing pitches to the launch of the Future Star of Africa initiative, we are creating pathways for the next generation.”

    This initiative builds directly on the DreamOnTheField program as a new extension.The initiative will identify young male and female talents aged 12-15 in Africa, providing continuous support and development opportunities until age 18. This long-term commitment addresses a critical gap in African football development: the lack of sustained investment in promising young players during their formative years.

    Read Also: NAICOM insists on Strict Capital Verification

    “At TECNO, we believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” Jack Guo, general manager of TECNO emphasized. “Through DreamOnTheField, we’ve built the stages. Through Future Star of Africa, we’re ensuring the performers have everything they need to shine.”

    The TECNO x CAF partnership approach is deliberately holistic. The renovated pitches provide the infrastructure; the selection process provides the pathway; and the long-term sponsorship provides the sustained support that transforms potential into achievement. The collaboration extends beyond traditional corporate sponsorship. As Official Global Partner of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, TECNO has positioned itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football’s future.

    The partnership leverages CAF’s unparalleled expertise in football development and governance with TECNO’s commitment to empowering Africa’s rising generation through technology and social investment. CAF will appoint lead technical scouts, senior youth development experts, to ensure professional fairness in each country, while local jury members will include national football association youth coaches, sports academics, and TECNO representatives.

    “Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites us, inspires us, and transforms lives,” said Véron Mosengo-Omba. “With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but also investing in talent, young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”

    Through joint efforts with CAF, Players will be evaluated across comprehensive and professional criterias; the assessment framework evaluates everything from ball mastery and game reading to resilience, concentration, and leadership potential, identifying not just talented players, but future stars with the character to inspire the next generation. Selection results will remain national, with no cross-border rounds, allowing each country to recognize and develop its own talent while contributing to the broader continental vision.

    The TECNO x CAF partnership continues to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility, when executed with genuine commitment and strategic vision, can create a transformative impact that extends far beyond brand recognition, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and strengthening communities across an entire continent.

  • CAF launches annual African Nations league

    CAF launches annual African Nations league

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the African Nations League, a new annual competition aimed at showcasing the continent’s top national teams and players.

    CAF explained that the league will offer a consistent, world-class platform for senior national teams, providing African players with greater exposure and more opportunities to display their talent on a continental stage.

    Announcing the initiative on its official X handle on Monday, CAF stated,

    “CAF launches exciting new African Nations League and guarantees that CAF will host, every year, a world-class Senior National Team Competition in which the best African players will participate.”

    According to CAF, the competition is designed to strengthen African football by encouraging more competitive matches, supporting player development, and boosting fan engagement across the continent. 

    Read Also: 2025 AFCON: CAF appoints 73 match officials without Nigerians

    The annual format is expected to ensure regular high-level football for both players and supporters.

    The launch underlines CAF’s commitment to raising the global profile of African football and creating sustainable opportunities for players, national teams, and member associations.

    The announcement comes amid broader changes to the continental calendar, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently revealing that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle after an edition scheduled for 2028, marking a shift from its current biennial format.

  • CAF names Angélique Kidjo, Oualass as presenters  for  2025 CAF Awards

    CAF names Angélique Kidjo, Oualass as presenters  for  2025 CAF Awards

    The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has  revealed the identities of  the presenters for the prestigious CAF Awards 2025, which will take place tomorrow, 19th  November, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.

    The ceremony will begin at 19h00 local time -7:00pm Nigerian team.

    For this edition, CAF has brought together a duo that perfectly reflects the artistic diversity and cultural reach of the continent: Angélique Kidjo and Oualass.

    Kidjo, a towering figure on the global stage, has embodied African artistic excellence for more than three decades. With five Grammy Awards to her name, the Beninese icon is celebrated for blending world music with African rhythms and for her unmatched presence in international culture.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    Her influence extends well beyond the stage. Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential women, she serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, education and the preservation of African cultural heritage.

    Joining her is Oualas, the comedian, actor and showman whose rising popularity in Morocco and across Africa has made him one of the continent’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.

    Known for his humour, improvisation and ability to connect with audiences of all ages, Oualass will add warmth, energy and flair to an evening dedicated to honouring the finest in African football.

    Together, this complementary duo underscores CAF’s ambition to stage an Awards ceremony that celebrates not only sporting achievement but also the rich cultural talent of Africa.

  • Unnecessary alarm

    Unnecessary alarm

    • Can anyone sustain the allegation of $25m grant misuse against NFF?

    The House of Representatives recently resolved to set up an investigative committee to probe an alleged misuse of about $25m grants from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over a period.

    The adoption of the resolution followed a motion co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola representing Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos State and Nwaeke Uche representing Ebonyi State constituency. The period under reference is allegedly over a 10 – year period of 2015-2025. The lawmakers allege that the level of sports development is not commensurate with the funds made available over the period.

    They said that “In December 2016, FIFA sent an audit query over the handling of a $1.1m development grant to NFF and reported that US$802,000 lacked proper documentations, prompting the then sports minister, Solomon Dalong, to order an independent audit and ask NFF to account for receipts and disbursements”. This was not an isolated case because, “between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials and the then President, Amaju Pinnick, faced public criticism and were subject of EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship monies”.

    The most recent controversy is about the $1.2 million which NFF allegedly used to construct the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, Kebbi State. There are allegations that the structure on ground so far is not commensurate with the alleged money sunk into the project. The representatives are demanding accountability from NFF.

    Football has become a trillion-dollar global business, bringing to the world huge socio-economic gains. It is not called the ‘Beautiful game’ for nothing. Nations under FIFA rules have benefited from the organisational structure of FIFA and other continental affiliates. Football has become as lucrative as it is now a tool for national pride when well-run by federations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court gives Nnamdi Kanu last chance to enter defence or forfeit same

    It is on this premise that we feel very concerned about the headline of the current controversy. We are here talking about two unrelated stadium projects; one in Nigeria, the other in Kenya, with the former assisted by FIFA. The Kenyan project is being built by the Kenyan government for the 2027 AFCON, costing millions of dollars. The Nigerian Kebbi Township Stadium costs about one per cent of the Kenyan project.

    While we believe that every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech, Mr. Peter Obi seemingly inferred a shady deal about the Kebbi stadium, citing the Kenyan Stadium cost as though they are on the same scale in cost and circumstance. Even if there is financial impropriety in this particular instance, more information could bring better clarity.

    The NFF has often performed below average and can often appear financially opaque, but we must not always assume the worst based on a flawed narrative. The federation on its part must be accountable and use all grants from both FIFA and CAF for sports development in a country as blessed as Nigeria. Accountability is the soul of international businesses. Trust is built through such acts of transparency. The scandal around the 2022 Qatar World Cup has so far claimed many football administrators. This shows that FIFA is like Big brother that is always watching.

    On the part of the law makers, we commend their quest at this time but we also believe that they might have failed in their oversight functions on the sports ministry under which NFF operates. The National Assembly must be more proactive than reactive.

    Accountability is never based on arrears but is a consistent present action. Probes, especially in a developing country like Nigeria do not often yield the best results, oversight functions help to keep track and put the checks and balances of democracy active and effective.

    Football as a global sports is fast redefining the socio-economic stands of nations and Nigeria occupies a prime position in the world. As the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. If Morocco and South African federations are seemingly taking their national football infrastructure to the global stage, thereby encouraging development of the game in their countries, Nigeria can do better.

    Nigeria is seen as the nation in Africa with the greatest influence on national leagues across continents, given her star exports. NFF must, like Caesar’s wife, be above reproach.

  • CAF expands  Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals to 16 teams

    CAF expands  Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals to 16 teams

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand from 12 to 16 teams starting from the 2026 edition, restoring four of the continent’s traditional powerhouses — Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt — to the prestigious tournament.

    In a communiqué issued on November 3,  CAF announced that its Executive Committee had approved the enlargement of the WAFCON “beginning with the next edition in 2026.”

    The decision comes after the conclusion of the earlier qualification process under the 12-team structure, which had seen several big names miss out. To ensure fairness, CAF stated that “the four best-ranked teams according to the current FIFA Women’s World Ranking, among those eliminated in the final qualifying round, will be selected to complete the list of 16 participating teams.”

    Consequently, Cameroon (ranked 66th  globally), Côte d’Ivoire (71st ), Mali (79th ) and Egypt (95th ) have been reinstated to join the 12 teams that secured qualification on the pitch.

    The move provides a major reprieve for Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, who were eliminated by Algeria on a 3–1 aggregate, marking what would have been their second straight absence from WAFCON. Côte d’Ivoire narrowly lost to Burkina Faso, while Mali and Egypt were edged out by Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, respectively.

    Read Also: CAF Champions League: Rivers United in Pot 3 as group phase draws hold  today

    CAF emphasized that the expansion reflects its commitment to strengthening women’s football and promoting inclusivity across Africa. The new 16-team format will enhance competition and create broader opportunities for emerging nations to showcase their progress.

    Holders Nigeria, former champions South Africa and Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia qualified last week.

    Morocco participate as hosts. This is the third Women’s Cup of Nations that they are hosting but it has added importance as it serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers heading to Brazil.

    Morocco are also hosting the men’s Cup of Nations finals from December 22 to January 18. It is made up of 24 teams.

    16 TEAMS FOR WAFCON 2026:

    Qualified : Morocco (Host); Zambia; Tanzania; Malawi; Algeria ;Nigeria; Ghana; Burkina Faso; Kenya; South Africa; Cape Verde and Senegal.

    Reinstated: Cameroon; Côte d’Ivoire ; Mali  and  Egypt.