The group, called "New World Hackers", took responsibility for the hack, telling the BBC it was done "in protest" against Gabon which is currently hosting the continental organisation's flagship tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF's website was down for around five hours on Saturday (January 21), before officials from African football's governing body decided it was an exterior issue rather than an internal problem.

"Gabon is a country of dictatorship," a member of the New World Hackers told BBC Sport.

As a result of the attack, CAF has decided to install a new five-second process that scans potential visitors to the site before allowing them entry.

"CAF has taken action but we can't certify 100 per cent it will not happen again," Junior Binyam, the governing body's communications director, told BBC Sport.

"Even CIA servers are hacked."

This year's Africa Cup of Nations has seen political protests following last year's disputed Presidential elections in Gabon, won by Ali Bongo.

The leader originally took power in 2009.

Gabonese authorities say three people have died following violent clashes, but opponents claim the death toll is much higher.

On Sunday (January 22), New World Hackers also claimed to have taken down the website of Total.

The oil company signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with CAF last year.

Gabon became the first Nations Cup hosts in 23 years to be eliminated in the group stage this week while Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favourites, have also been eliminated. 

The tournament is set to conclude with the final on February 5.