Motsepe welcomes corruption probe calls amid Senegal-Morocco AFCON disput

President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has responded to calls from the Senegal government for an international investigation into alleged corruption within African football’s governing body.

The demand follows a controversial decision by CAF’s Appeals Committee to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, despite Senegal’s victory on the pitch. The ruling was based on claims that Senegal’s players withdrew during the final, a development that has since sparked political and sporting tensions.

Motsepe travelled to Dakar on Wednesday in a bid to ease the growing dispute and reiterate CAF’s neutrality as the matter awaits a final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Addressing the controversy at a press conference, the CAF president made it clear that he would support any credible investigation into corruption within the organisation.

“I would welcome any investigation into any potential corruption within the African Union, whether conducted by a government or an independent institution. In fact, I encourage it. We will cooperate fully.”

He emphasised the importance of a strict stance against corruption, describing it as a broader societal issue that extends beyond football.

“We cannot give our children the impression that success in life requires corruption. There must be a policy of absolute zero tolerance.”

Motsepe further underlined that meaningful action is essential to safeguarding the future of the game on the continent.

“This is the most beautiful gift we can give to African football. It’s not just about talking about corruption, but about intervening, setting the necessary laws and implementing them.”

Despite his openness to scrutiny, Motsepe maintained that CAF has acted fairly in the ongoing dispute between Senegal and Morocco. He firmly rejected any suggestion of bias, insisting that no nation would receive preferential treatment.

“No country will ever be treated better than another. That will not happen.”

Amid the rising tensions, Motsepe also called for calm and unity, expressing confidence that the situation could ultimately strengthen relationships across the continent.

“We are convinced that these experiences will make us more united among the 54 African nations.”

With the final verdict now in the hands of CAS, African football awaits a decisive ruling that could shape both the outcome of the tournament and the credibility of its governing structures moving forward.