CAF PRESIDENT SUPPORTS MOROCCO’S 2025 AFCON VICTORY, ACKNOWLEDGES SENEGAL APPEAL
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, has defended the organisation’s judicial processes after the Appeal Board overturned Senegal national team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final victory, awarding the title to Morocco national team.
On Tuesday, the CAF Appeal Board upheld an appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, ruling that Senegal forfeited the January final under Article 84 of AFCON regulations after their players walked off the pitch in protest during stoppage time.
The protest followed a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Senegal later returned to the field, saved the penalty, and went on to win 1-0 in extra time, but the Appeal Board’s ruling ultimately overturned that result.
The disciplinary review, however, ruled that Senegal’s walk-off constituted a serious breach, leading to the nullification of the on-field result.
The board handed a 3-0 forfeit to the West African team and officially crowned Morocco national team as champions.
In a video statement posted on the board’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, Patrice Motsepe highlighted the harm the incidents caused to the credibility of African football.
Patrice Motsepe has commented on the CAF Appeals Board ruling regarding Morocco’s appeal over the 2025 AFCON final, expressing concern over the incidents that marred the match.
“I previously expressed my extreme disappointment with what happened at the final,” Motsepe said, noting that the events undermined years of CAF efforts to uphold integrity, ethics, governance, and credible results in African football competitions.
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He added that the incidents exposed ongoing issues of suspicion and distrust within the sport. “When I became president, one of my main priorities was ensuring the impartiality and independence of referees and match commissioners. Much progress has been made, but these legacy concerns continue to affect perceptions,” he explained.
Patrice Motsepe said the issue has persisted for many years and remains a critical concern for the organisation.
On the topic of independence, Motsepe highlighted CAF’s careful and deliberate approach in appointing members of its judicial bodies.
Patrice Motsepe explained that nominations for CAF’s judicial bodies are invited from all 54 member associations and six regional zones, ensuring that respected judges and lawyers from across Africa bring diverse perspectives.
“If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent,” he said.
Motsepe acknowledged Senegal national team’s intention to pursue a further appeal, affirming that every African nation has the right to defend its interests at the highest levels.
“Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue their appeals and advance their interests, not only within CAF, but also at its highest judicial bodies. We will adhere to and respect the decisions taken at the highest level,” he added.
The CAF chief also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to addressing shortcomings, implementing best practices, and restoring trust among fans across the continent.
“It is important for us that football supporters and spectators in all 54 African countries regard the decisions of our judicial bodies as fair, with integrity and impartiality,” Motsepe said.
Patrice Motsepe concluded by stressing the importance of ensuring that referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are seen as fair and impartial by football fans.
The ruling has triggered widespread debate, with Senegal Football Federation calling it a “travesty” and announcing plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ruling represents a rare moment in major football history, where the outcome of a final was retroactively overturned following a mid-match protest.
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