CAF boss Motsepe denies Morocco favouritism amid AFCON final controversy

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has insisted that no national team enjoys preferential treatment within African football’s governing body, as questions continue to swirl over the controversial outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Speaking after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Sunday, Motsepe faced direct questions over whether Morocco had benefited unfairly following the decision by CAF’s Appeals Committee to award them victory in the final against Senegal.

The ruling, which came after Senegal’s players left the pitch during the match, has triggered widespread debate and scrutiny across the continent.

‘Everyone is equal’

Responding to suggestions that Morocco may have gained an advantage, Motsepe was unequivocal.

“Everyone is equal to me, and I apply the principle of justice in all decisions taken,” he said.

“I implement decisions in word and deed, regardless of the names of national teams or clubs.”

He acknowledged, however, that CAF still has room for improvement.

“Justice must be applied, the view of everyone must be the same, but if you ask me if we have reached the highest standards, I would say that we still have work to do.”

Motsepe stressed that no federation receives special treatment under his leadership, adding: “No local federation has an advantage over others, regardless of the name of that federation.”

Questions over independence

The CAF president was also pressed on concerns about the independence of the organisation’s judicial bodies, which have been central to the controversy.

Laughing off the suggestion, Motsepe defended CAF’s progress in governance and decision-making.

“We may make mistakes, but I assure you that we have improved a lot in managing African football,” he said.

“We cannot give preference to one country over another during my term.”

His comments come amid ongoing criticism from sections of the football community, with some questioning whether CAF’s disciplinary and appeals processes are sufficiently transparent.

Uncertainty over title outcome

Despite the Appeals Committee’s decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory, uncertainty remains over whether Senegal have officially been stripped of the title.

Motsepe avoided giving a definitive answer when asked directly about the issue.

“We were clear, the FIFA and CAF charter must be adopted,” he said.

“We gave the Senegalese team the cup, medals and financial rewards, and the Moroccan team appealed, and we will respect any decision that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will announce.”

He added that CAF would not pre-empt any legal conclusions.

“We do not want to pass any judgments. The judicial department is independent.”

CAS ruling awaited

The case has now been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), whose ruling is expected to bring clarity to one of the most contentious episodes in recent AFCON history.

Until then, CAF finds itself balancing the need to uphold its legal processes with growing calls for transparency and accountability.

For Motsepe, the priority remains clear: “I must ensure the implementation of the law, respect the principle of integrity, and promote professionalism.”

But with the final outcome still unresolved, questions over fairness — and the perception of bias — are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.