CAF President Motsepe: Senegal Can Fight Back In 2025 AFCON

According to Ireporter Online, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has affirmed that Senegal retains the right to challenge the controversial decision that stripped it of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. He emphasized that no African nation would receive preferential treatment in football governance.

Motsepe made the remarks during a video interview released by CAF on Wednesday evening, addressing the fallout from the disputed AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. CAF had previously overturned Senegal’s victory, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win after upholding an appeal from the Moroccan Football Federation, citing Senegal’s violation of Article 82 of CAF regulations.

The decision has sparked widespread outrage across the continent, with growing demands for transparency and accountability. Indications suggest Senegal may take its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Motsepe confirmed that Senegal is preparing to appeal, underscoring that all 54 African member nations have the right to pursue justice through appropriate channels.

“And I’m told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important,” Motsepe stated. “Every nation in Africa has the right to pursue appeals at both CAF and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We will respect the decision reached at the highest level.”

The CAF President acknowledged that the controversy has damaged confidence in African football, describing the incident as detrimental to the sport’s integrity and governance. “The ruling undermines the credibility, ethics, and respect that CAF has worked to establish over many years,” he said.

Motsepe also framed the controversy as part of a longstanding credibility challenge in African football. “The incidents at the AFCON 2025 final highlight lingering suspicion and distrust. It’s a legacy issue,” he explained, noting that concerns over officiating and governance predate the 2025 final.