CAF launches capacity building workshops for match commissioners

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has intensified its efforts to improve the quality of its competitions with a series of specialized workshops for the new Match Commissioners for the 2026-2028 cycle.

According to a statement from African football’s governing body available via its official website (CAF ONLINE), the fourth and final workshop will take place this week at the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) headquarters in 6th of October City from April 22 to 23, bringing to a close a major capacity building program for one of CAF’s key operational structures.

The workshops have equipped the newly appointed Match Commissioners with essential operational knowledge, regulatory guidance and practical training necessary to perform their duties effectively within the CAF competition environment.

The new panel includes more than 200 candidates, with each CAF Member Association nominating four officials, two men and two women, in line with CAF’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, gender representation and professionalism across the continent.

To ensure that the workshops were delivered effectively and to promote meaningful interaction and practical engagement, participants were divided into four groups based on geographical and linguistic criteria.

The four workshops were held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in 6th of October City, Egypt.

The role of the Match Commissioner remains fundamental to the successful organization and management of CAF matches, ensuring that matches are carried out in full compliance with CAF regulations and international football standards.

His responsibilities include supervising the overall organization of matches, ensuring compliance with competition rules, coordinating with stadium authorities and local organizing structures and supervising the correct implementation of operational procedures.

Match commissioners also play an important role in safeguarding the integrity of the match environment, including security arrangements, team arrival protocols, media operations and the smooth functioning of the referee team, VAR room and technical staff.

In addition, they must submit detailed reports to CAF after each match, highlighting operational observations, incidents and recommendations that contribute to the continuous improvement of the competition.

Through these workshops, CAF has once again demonstrated its determination to strengthen the professional standards of African football and ensure that its competitions continue to be managed with the highest levels of efficiency, integrity and expertise.