CAF to respect CAS verdict in Morocco-Senegal AFCON final dispute – Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has said the governing body will fully implement the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) ruling on the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

The legal dispute remains one of the most significant cases in African football, with both nations awaiting a final verdict that will determine the official outcome of the tournament.

CAF awaiting final legal decision

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Motsepe said CAF had reviewed the circumstances surrounding the final and held discussions with the match officials to establish whether the competition’s rules and regulations had been correctly interpreted and enforced.

However, he stressed that the governing body would not interfere with the judicial process and would instead abide by the final decision of CAS.

“Whatever decision the Court of Arbitration for Sport makes, we will implement it,” Motsepe said.

“There are reports about what happened in Morocco, and we have spoken with the referees to ensure that the laws and regulations were clear and correctly applied.”

CAF rules out prejudging the case

Motsepe acknowledged the widespread debate generated by the controversial final, saying opinions remain divided over which team should ultimately be recognised as African champions.

Despite the differing views, he insisted the matter can only be settled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“I am pleased that there are many discussions and different views regarding what happened between Senegal and Morocco, but in the end, we must wait for the final decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” he added.

The CAF president reiterated that the continental governing body will respect and enforce the tribunal’s ruling, regardless of the outcome, in line with the applicable legal procedures.