Patrice Motsepe backs AFCON final decision, encourages Senegal to challenge it
The Appeal Board, an independent judicial arm of CAF led by a judge, reversed Senegals 1-0 win after determining that the teams walkout in protest against a late penalty breached Articles 82 and 84. Consequently, the match was formally given as a 3-0 win to Morocco.
Referencing Articles 82 and 84 from the Africa Cup of Nations rules, officials concluded that Senegals actions merited a harsh sanction.
In the Rabat final, Senegal led 1-0 in a turbulent game. A penalty was given to Morocco in added time of the second half, right after a Senegal goal got disallowed.
A number of Senegalese players briefly exited the field amid threats to forfeit the match before coming back, as Senegalese fans tried to storm the pitch and hurled items onto it.
Following the miss of the penalty by Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz, the sides went into extra time, during which Senegal clinched the win with a strike from Pape Gueye.
Questions over the reliability of African football
The 64 year old Motsepe confessed to feeling “extremely disappointed” about the occurrences in the 2025 tournaments final, emphasising how these happenings have tarnished the honesty and reliability of African football.
Motsepe, the head of CAF, stated that such events erode the extensive efforts made over years to rebuild confidence, equity, and solid management in the continents football governance.
“I have learned of the ruling from the CAF Appeals Committee on Moroccos challenge about the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, and I have already voiced my profound dismay at the events in that final,” Motsepe remarked.
“The key element from that game is how it damages the substantial progress CAF has achieved in recent years to uphold the honesty, respect, morals, proper administration, and trustworthiness of our match outcomes.
“The happenings in the 2025 AFCON final in Morocco underscore the ongoing tasks to tackle doubts and distrust. This stems from historical issues.”
Motsepe pointed out worries regarding views on refereeing quality, game control, and the autonomy of CAFs judicial organs, indicating that these continue to face examination even with current changes.
“Upon taking office as president, a primary issue was the neutrality, autonomy, and regard for referees and match officials. Considerable advancements have occurred, yet some suspicion lingers from past experiences,” Motsepe noted.
“This problem has persisted for years, and we keep working on it as it is vital. Another crucial aspect from this finals events is the autonomy and regard for our judicial organs.”
Explaining the selection of judicial body members, Motsepe stated: “For our judicial bodies, we used a fresh method, unlike before.
“We asked each member association and the six CAF regional areas to suggest prominent judges and esteemed lawyers, since it is crucial that rulings from our Disciplinary Committee, the CAF Disciplinary Committee, and the CAF Appeals Committee are seen as worthy of respect and integrity that we value.
“Thus, looking at these bodies makeup, you will see they feature some of the continents most esteemed legal experts and judges.”
Motsepe went on: “We must still handle views and issues about integrity. This requires sustained effort.
“CAF is dedicated to not just upholding high quality in our work, having adopted leading practices, but also to choosing judges and lawyers from all regions, zones, and the 54 African nations, ensuring they are people of upright character with proven expertise.
“This autonomy appears in the rulings from both committees. The CAF Disciplinary Committee gave its decision. The CAF Appeals Committee adopted an entirely opposing stance.”
Senegal can take the issue further
On Senegals plan to contest CAFs decision, Motsepe affirmed that the West African country is entitled to take it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He also promised that CAF would honour any outcome from the top sports arbitration authority.
“I understand Senegal plans to appeal, which is significant. All 54 African countries can use all available legal paths to protect their positions, not just at the top African level in CAF, but also at the supreme court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Motsepe clarified.
“We will adhere to and honour the ruling from that supreme authority. A core rule is that no African nation receives preferential or better treatment over others on the continent.”
In closing, Motsepe reassured the continent that CAF has started assessing its procedures, intending to introduce fixes in the weak spots revealed by the final.
“We have initiated key actions to make sure the identified deficiencies and areas needing enhancement receive the required updates,” he commented.
“We set very high benchmarks for ourselves. It is vital that everyday supporters and viewers across the 54 African countries, based on their own views, and not those of CAF or myself, view our judicial bodies decisions as equitable, truthful, and unbiased.
“It is just as crucial that they see our referees, VAR personnel, and match officials as equitable and righteous. The rulings must embody the neutrality and autonomy that are utterly necessary.”
Senegal has confirmed its intent to appeal CAFs decision and strives to reclaim their championship.