Appeals Board decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title must be viewed with respect and integrity – CAF President

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has addressed the controversy surrounding the decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, stressing the importance of respecting the independence of CAF’s disciplinary bodies.

“It is important that the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board are viewed with respect and integrity,” Dr Motsepe said in a video released by CAF on Wednesday.

“If you look at the composition of those bodies, they ​reflect some of the most ​respected lawyers and judges ⁠on the continent.

“But we will still have to deal with this perception and concerns about the integrity. It’s an ongoing issue.”

The ruling followed Senegal’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in January’s final, which was overshadowed by a 17-minute walk-off by the Senegalese team in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

CAF cited violations of its disciplinary code in reversing the match outcome.

Motsepe acknowledged that the decision has sparked widespread debate and criticism, but he insisted that the composition and independence of the disciplinary bodies reflect the continent’s highest legal standards.

The CAF president also admitted that restoring public confidence remains a challenge, describing perceptions of integrity as “an ongoing issue.”

Senegal, meanwhile, has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the coming days.