RABAT, Morocco – The global football community has been rocked by the decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, and now CAF President Patrice Motsepe has spoken out, addressing the controversy in an official video statement on Wednesday.
Motsepe defended the independence of CAF’s judicial bodies while acknowledging the “extreme disappointment” and “legacy of suspicion” that continues to affect African football governance. The statement comes amid widespread outrage and disbelief over the unprecedented ruling.
The Verdict That Changed History
The drama began after the AFCON final in January 2025, when Senegal faced host nation Morocco. In the dying moments of the match, Senegalese players staged a 15-minute walk-off in protest against a late VAR-awarded penalty. Though they later returned and won 1–0 in extra time, the CAF Appeal Board ruled on March 17, 2026, that the walk-off constituted a forfeit.
Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, the Appeal Board declared Senegal the 3–0 losers, officially crowning Morocco as the 2025 champions.
Motsepe’s Stance: Integrity Above All
In his address, President Motsepe stressed that while the ruling is undeniably painful for fans, it was necessary to uphold the “integrity and credibility” of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
“The incidents at the final undermined the considerable work CAF has done over the years to ensure ethics and good governance,” Motsepe remarked. “No country in Africa will be afforded preferential treatment over any other.”
He also addressed accusations of “home-court bias” in Morocco’s favor, highlighting that the different conclusions reached by the Disciplinary Board and the Appeal Board serve as a testament to their autonomy and independence from his office.
A “Legacy Issue” of Distrust
Perhaps most poignantly, Motsepe acknowledged that the public outcry surrounding the ruling reflects a deeper issue within African football – a widespread lack of trust in refereeing and administrative decisions. He referred to this as a “legacy issue” from previous CAF administrations that his leadership is working to resolve.
Key Points from the Ruling:
- The Forfeit: Senegal’s 15-minute protest was deemed a violation of FIFA and CAF “refusal to play” regulations.
- The Scoreline: The official match record now reflects a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
- The Appeal: Motsepe has welcomed Senegal’s decision to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
What’s Next for the Lions of Teranga?
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly condemned the ruling, calling it “unjust and unacceptable.” With captain Sadio Mané leading the charge, the team has voiced concerns over corruption within the sport and its detrimental impact on the passion for the game. The FSF is preparing to file an emergency appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Motsepe concluded his statement by asserting that CAF would “adhere to and respect” whatever final ruling the international court renders.
