Patrice Motsepe defends CAF decision after Senegal stripped of AFCON 2025 title

Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has defended the organisation’s handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations verdict, following the decision to award the title to Morocco and strip Senegal of their status as champions.

In his first public response since the ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Committee, Motsepe emphasised the independence of the body responsible for the decision and rejected suggestions of interference or bias.

Speaking in a video statement, he underlined the importance of trust in the organisation’s judicial structures, insisting that decisions must be viewed as fair across the continent.

“We set very high standards for ourselves. It is essential for us that ordinary fans and spectators in each of the 54 African countries, according to their own judgment – and not that of CAF or me – consider the decisions of our judicial bodies to be fair, honest, and impartial. It is equally important that they consider our referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners to be fair and just people. The decisions that are made must reflect the impartiality and independence that are absolutely essential,” the official added.

The ruling, which confirmed Morocco as champions of the 2025 AFCON following the events of the final, has sparked strong reactions across the football world.

Questions have been raised in some quarters regarding the integrity of the process, prompting the CAF president to reiterate that its disciplinary and appeals systems operate independently.

Motsepe also addressed Senegal’s intention to challenge the outcome, noting that all member associations have the right to pursue legal remedies beyond CAF’s internal structures.

“I have also been informed that Senegal is considering an appeal, which is very important. Each of the 54 African nations has the right to pursue the necessary legal avenues to defend its interests, not only at the highest level in Africa, within CAF, but also before the highest court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport. And we will comply with and respect the decision that will be made at the highest level. A fundamental principle is that no African country will be treated in a more privileged, advantageous, or favorable manner than any other country on the African continent,” Motsepe stated.

As debate continues, attention is now turning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where any potential appeal could ultimately determine the final outcome of the dispute.

The controversy surrounding the 2025 tournament shows little sign of easing, with reactions continuing to emerge from across African and international football.

🚨 OFFICIAL: CAF PRESIDENT REACTS 🎥

Patrice Motsepe has shared his first reaction following the verdict delivered by CAF’s independent Appeal Committee, which confirmed Morocco as the new AFCON 2025 champions.

In a video statement, the CAF President addressed the outcome,… pic.twitter.com/gAGimYqbs6

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) March 18, 2026