By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has defended the integrity and independence of African football’s governing body following mounting criticism over its decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Patrice Motsepe spoke out on Tuesday after Senegal’s government called for an international investigation into what it described as “suspected corruption” within the organisation.
The controversy stems from a ruling by CAF’s appeals committee, which overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the January 18 final, instead awarding a 3–0 win to the hosts after determining that Senegal had forfeited the match by walking off the pitch without the referee’s permission.
Motsepe sought to clarify the decision-making process, emphasising the independence of CAF’s judicial bodies. “The CAF Disciplinary Board has made one decision. The CAF Appeal Committee has taken a completely different position,” he said in a video published on CAF platforms. “Senegal will appeal, which is very important, and we will respect the decision taken at the highest level.”
Senegal’s football authorities have already announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. At the same time, the government has denounced the verdict as “manifestly erroneous” and “grossly unjust.”
Questions of integrity and governance
Motsepe insisted that CAF’s disciplinary and appeals panels are composed of respected legal professionals nominated by member associations across the continent. “These are people with integrity and a track record,” he said. “The independence is reflected in the decisions made by the two bodies.”
The CAF chief acknowledged that the incident has revived longstanding concerns about transparency and trust in African football governance. “What happened in that final undermines the good work that CAF has done over many years to ensure integrity, respect, and credibility in our competitions,” he added.
The January final was marred by chaos after a disputed late penalty decision in favour of Morocco. Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest after a goal by Ismaïla Sarr was disallowed, while tensions escalated in the stands.
Although the players eventually returned, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to score in extra time through Pape Gueye to secure what initially appeared to be victory.
However, CAF’s appeals committee later ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a breach of competition regulations, triggering an automatic forfeit.
“No favouritism” toward Morocco
Motsepe also rejected claims of bias toward Morocco, which has invested heavily in football infrastructure and is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. “No country in Africa will be treated in a more favourable manner than another,” he said. “We take what happened very seriously.”
He described concerns over officiating and governance as a “legacy issue” that CAF continues to address through reforms aimed at improving refereeing standards and institutional transparency.
With Senegal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport pending, the outcome of the tournament remains subject to further legal review. Motsepe stressed that CAF remains committed to ensuring that decisions are not only fair but also perceived as such by football fans across the continent.
“It is important that ordinary supporters, in their own judgment, consider our decisions to be fair,” he said.
