AFCON 2025: CAF will not intervene in Senegal fans’ arrest case, says Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has ruled out any direct intervention in the case involving Senegalese supporters arrested during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, insisting the matter is strictly under national judicial authority.

About 18 Senegalese fans were detained during the tense final in Rabat over allegations of hooliganism.

The case has since faced repeated delays, with the latest court hearing now scheduled for April 13, 2026.

Speaking to the media after an official visit to North Africa on Thursday, Motsepe stressed CAF’s respect for the sovereignty of member states and their legal systems, adding that any resolution should be pursued through diplomatic channels between Senegal and Morocco.

“CAF respects the legal sovereignty and judicial processes of all nations in Africa. I have been advised that discussions on this matter should take place directly between the governments of Senegal and Morocco. CAF fully respects these processes, as they concern the sovereignty of each nation.”

He further clarified that CAF would not involve itself in ongoing legal proceedings, reaffirming the organisation’s stance of non-interference in domestic court matters.

“For me, my focus now is on the FIFA World Cup and supporting African football on the global stage.”

The comments come amid continued scrutiny following disturbances involving fans at the AFCON final, with diplomatic engagement expected to guide the next phase of discussions surrounding the case.