We remain neutral in AFCON dispute between Senegal–Morocco – CAF president Motsepe

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has declined to be drawn into the escalating dispute between Senegal and Morocco, insisting that the matter is now beyond his jurisdiction as it awaits a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Addressing the controversy on Wednesday following an official visit to Dakar on Wednesday, Motsepe made it clear that CAF would not comment further while the legal process is ongoing.

“There is nothing I can tell you that I haven’t said already 10, 15, 20 times. You can ask me the ​same question 100 times, I’ll give you the same answer 100 times. ​I have ⁠an obligation to respect that the matter is now in front of the highest (sports) court in the world.”

The case, which has drawn significant attention across the continent, stems from disputes surrounding the handling of a recent Africa Cup of Nations decision.

Senegal has challenged aspects of the ruling, pushing the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for final adjudication.

Motsepe also pushed back strongly against any perception of bias in CAF’s decision-making, particularly suggestions that Morocco may have been treated more favourably.

He dismissed the claims outright, stressing that equality remains a core principle within African football governance.

“Under no circumstances ⁠will ​any single country in Africa be treated more preferentially ​or more favourably than any other. That will never happen,” he said.

Looking ahead, Motsepe expressed optimism that the controversy would ultimately strengthen unity within African football.

“We are confident we will come out of these ​challenges more united amongst the 54 nations in Africa.”

As the case now moves into the hands of CAS, attention will shift from CAF’s administrative corridors to the courtroom, where a final decision is expected to shape both the immediate outcome and the broader perception of governance in African football.

Meanwhile, Motsepe is expected to visit Morocco today to hold official talks with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.