CAF President Patrice Motsepe has defended the integrity of the organization’s disciplinary bodies following the controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
In a video statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Motsepe emphasized that no African nation receives preferential or advantageous treatment, asserting that the independence of CAF’s legal structures is proven by the conflicting rulings between the Disciplinary Committee and the Appeals Committee. He noted that the committees are composed of some of the continent’s most respected jurists, whose autonomy is central to CAF’s governance.
The President expressed deep disappointment regarding the incidents that occurred during the tournament final in Morocco, acknowledging that such events undermine years of work dedicated to establishing credibility and transparency. While he admitted that a “legacy of past suspicion” remains a challenge for African football, he assured stakeholders that CAF is taking these shortcomings seriously and is committed to reform. Motsepe also confirmed that he fully supports the right of member nations to seek further justice through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), pledging that CAF will respect any final decision made at that highest judicial level.
In the wake of the ruling, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) welcomed the Appeals Committee’s verdict, describing it as a necessary step for the stability of international competitions. Conversely, the situation has sparked a diplomatic and legal firestorm in Dakar. The Senegalese Football Federation has officially announced its intent to appeal to the CAS, while the Senegalese government has gone further, labeling the decision “grossly illegal.” Senegalese authorities are now calling for an international investigation into allegations of corruption within CAF and have signaled their intent to pursue legal action in international courts.
AK/Sf/fss/abj/APA