CAF Media Head defends President Motsepe amid corruption allegation claims

Luxolo September, Head of TV and Media Communications at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has come out strongly against critics accusing CAF President Patrice Motsepe of corruption in relation to the handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final dispute.

Earlier this week, CAF’s Appeals Board confirmed Morocco as the winners of the 2025 AFCON, ruling that Senegal had forfeited after briefly walking off the pitch in protest of a penalty decision.

Despite returning to complete the match—where Senegal ultimately won 1-0 in extra time—the West African nation’s title was revoked. Senegal has announced its intention to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The decision sparked widespread criticism, with some branding CAF and Motsepe as corrupt. September rejected these allegations, calling them unfounded and rooted in harmful stereotypes, according to African football analyst Micky Jnr.

“No one can buy Motsepe. He donated $10 million USD to CAF and hasn’t taken a cent from CAF or FIFA. People have this lazy stereotype about Africans being corrupt. When they say Dr Patrice Motsepe is ‘bought,’ I ask: ‘By who? For how much?’ It’s laughable,” he said.

“For 6 years, he’s not taken a single cent. CAF doesn’t pay for his travel, accommodation, or salary. Who can buy him? How can he be bought? We should have confidence that some leaders are incorruptible. He’s probably the only football leader today who doesn’t take a cent from football,” September added.