CAF President Patrice Motsepe Defends AFCON 2025 Verdict Amid Morocco–Senegal Controversy

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has defended the integrity of the organization’s judicial processes following the controversial decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the final.

The ruling, delivered by the CAF Appeal Board, has sparked widespread debate across the football world, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the final. Reacting to the development, Motsepe did not hide his frustration over the events that led to the decision.

“I've been informed of the ruling by the CAF Appeal Board concerning the appeal by Morocco relating to the AFCON Morocco 2025 final match,” he said.

“I previously expressed my extreme disappointment with the incidents that took place at the final match. The important thing about the incident is that it undermines the good work that CAF has done over many years to ensure that its integrity, respect, ethics, governance as well as credibility of our football matches.

“The occurrences expose the work that we are still dealing with concerning the suspicion, trust and legacy issue.”

“When I became president, the major concern was the impartiality, independence and the respect of referees and match commissioners. A lot of good good work has been done, but there's continuous suspicion because it's a legacy issue. It's something that has been there for many years.

“We consistently deal with it because it is critically important. Another incident that these final matches brought to the fore was the independence and respect of our judicial bodies.”