Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has backed the Appeal Board’s controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
The Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s 1–0 win, ruling that their walk-off in protest of a stoppage-time penalty breached Articles 82 and 84. The match was consequently recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.
Read Also: CAF strips Senegal of AFCON 2025 title, crowns Morocco champions
Motsepe defends judicial independence
Speaking in a video message, Motsepe stressed that the ruling followed due process and reaffirmed his respect for CAF’s judicial bodies.
Read Also: Senegal demands probe into CAF over AFCON title row
“The CAF disciplinary board took one decision, and the appeals board took a different position. Senegal has the right to appeal, and we will respect the outcome at the highest level,” he said.
Read Also: Senegal rejects CAF AFCON title ruling, heads to CAS
CAF rejects bias claims
Motsepe dismissed suggestions of preferential treatment towards Morocco, a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, insisting all member nations are treated equally.
“Not a single country in Africa will be treated in a more favourable manner than any other,” he stated.
Governance concerns acknowledged
The CAF president admitted the chaotic scenes in the final undermined efforts to strengthen integrity and credibility in African football.
“What happened in that final match undermines the work CAF has done to ensure integrity, ethics and governance,” he noted, while emphasising ongoing reforms.
CAS appeal looms
Motsepe added that CAF’s disciplinary and appeals bodies are composed of independent legal experts nominated by its 54 member associations.
Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Senegal’s government also condemning the decision as “grossly unjust.”
The dispute is now set for a decisive legal battle that could shape the governance landscape of African football.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
