Big Changes, Big Reactions: CAF Unveils New Rules Days Before World Cup Playoffs Kick Off

Big Changes, Big Reactions: CAF Unveils New Rules Days Before World Cup Playoffs Kick Off

By Admin 

With just one week remaining before the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a series of significant changes to the qualification framework moves that have surprised fans and officials across the continent, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

CAF stated that the adjustments are aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and competitiveness across all participating nations. Among the major reforms are stricter referee selection procedures, revised kickoff times, and the mandatory use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in all playoff matches.

The expanded implementation of VAR, CAF noted, is intended to reduce the kind of officiating controversies that have often marred crucial fixtures in past qualifying campaigns.

In addition, CAF revealed that neutral venues may be used for select high-risk fixtures to minimize crowd disturbances and protect match officials from intimidation. The confederation also introduced a new regulation requiring teams to submit their final 26-man squad lists at least five days before kickoff. This measure is designed to give CAF enough time to verify player eligibility and registration.

The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across African football circles. While some fans and analysts have welcomed the reforms as overdue steps toward modernizing the competition, others criticized the timing, describing it as a “last-minute disruption” that could unsettle teams in the final stages of preparation.

With heavyweights such as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo set to battle for the continent’s limited qualification spots, anticipation for the playoffs remains high. 

Nigeria will face Gabon in next Thursday's semi-final where the winners trade tackles with winners between Cameroon and DR Congo. The eventual champions of the CAF playoffs will represent Africa at the FIFA Interncontinental playoff in Mexico in March, 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, attention now turns to CAF’s ability to effectively implement the new regulations when the playoffs begin next week.