CAF Chief Patrice Motsepe Vows Zero Tolerance for Corruption in African Football
Last month the authorities in Senegal requested a thorough probe into claims of corruption after the CAF Appeals Committee revoked the nations hosting privileges for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reassigned them to Morocco their rivals in the final.
The incident stems from disorderly moments during the January 18 showdown in Rabat where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory yet temporarily abandoned the pitch to object against some officiating rulings.
On Wednesday Motsepe held talks with leaders from the Senegalese Football Federation alongside President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stressing the importance of solidarity in the wake of the finals controversy. He plans to hold parallel discussions in Morocco on Thursday.
Motsepe stated to journalists that he fully supports any inquiry into potential corruption within the CAF regardless of whether it comes from governmental bodies or other organisations. He went further to say he actively promotes such probes and pledges complete assistance from his team.
He noted awareness of prior issues where actions were taken adding that corruption extends beyond the sport into areas like commerce and governance. We must avoid instilling in our youth the idea that dishonesty leads to achievement he emphasised calling for complete rejection of such practices.
This approach he argued represents the most valuable contribution to African football moving beyond mere discussions to decisive steps including enacting robust regulations and ensuring their enforcement.
Motsepe avoided specifics on the Senegal Morocco conflict now pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
He repeated that he has no fresh details to share having addressed the topic repeatedly and remains committed to honouring the process at the global sports judiciarys top level.
Motsepe rejected outright any notion that Morocco received undue preference throughout the appeals procedure.
He affirmed that no African member state will ever enjoy superior handling over others a principle that stands firm.
He voiced assurance that the 54 African countries will grow even closer knit through these trials.