The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is concluding a month-long series of training workshops aimed at preparing a newly appointed panel of Match Commissioners for the 2026–2028 cycle, as part of efforts to strengthen the organisation of football competitions across the continent.
The final session is scheduled to take place from 22 to 23 April at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in 6th of October City, marking the end of a programme designed to enhance the operational standards of one of CAF’s key administrative roles.
More than 200 candidates have been selected for the new panel, with each member association nominating four officials — two men and two women — in line with CAF’s stated commitment to inclusivity and gender balance. The governing body says the initiative reflects its broader objective of improving professionalism within African football.
The workshops, held throughout April, have focused on providing participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out their duties effectively. Training has included operational procedures, regulatory frameworks and real-world scenarios aimed at preparing commissioners for the demands of CAF competitions.
To improve engagement and facilitate learning, attendees were divided into four groups based on geography and language. All sessions were hosted at the same venue in Egypt, allowing for consistency in delivery and coordination.
Match Commissioners play a central role in ensuring that CAF fixtures run smoothly and comply with established rules. Their responsibilities extend across multiple areas of match organisation, including coordination with stadium authorities, oversight of competition regulations and supervision of operational procedures on match day.
They are also tasked with maintaining the integrity of the match environment. This includes monitoring security arrangements, overseeing team arrivals, ensuring media operations run efficiently, and supporting the work of referees, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) teams and technical staff.
Following each match, commissioners are required to submit detailed reports to CAF. These reports document any incidents, highlight operational observations and offer recommendations aimed at improving future competitions.
CAF says the workshops are part of a broader effort to raise standards across African football and ensure that tournaments are managed with greater efficiency and professionalism. By investing in training and development, the organisation aims to strengthen its operational structures and deliver competitions that meet international expectations.
The completion of the final workshop this week brings to a close an initiative that CAF considers vital to the continued growth and credibility of its competitions.
