CAF President reveals he gifted Mane $10m after Senegal AFCON win

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe says he personally rewarded Sadio Mane with $10 million after Senegal’s 2025 AFCON triumph.

Motsepe disclosed in a press conference on Thursday that, beyond officially presenting the medal and trophy, he also made a personal financial gesture to Mane in recognition of his leadership and performance during the tournament.

“I gave Sadio Mane the medal, I gave Mane the trophy. I gave Sadio Mane $10 million,” Motsepe said when questioned about the aftermath of the competition and the subsequent controversy.

However, the CAF President stressed that despite his admiration for Senegal’s achievement, he was bound by institutional rules and governance structures when the matter was later reviewed.

“I have to follow the law and I have to respect the rules and regulations. A decision was made by the CAF disciplinary board,” he explained.

The controversy stems from CAF’s decision to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco national football team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and award the title to Morocco.

Senegal had initially secured the win after a tense encounter on January 18, which saw a late-game dispute when Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz missed a stoppage-time penalty before Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal in extra time.

The match, however, was marred by a brief walk-off by Senegalese players protesting the penalty decision, leading to a 17-minute delay before play resumed.

Following an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, CAF’s appeals board ruled that Senegal had breached tournament regulations.

CAF cited Article 82, which considers a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without authorization as having forfeited the match, and Article 84, which imposes a 3-0 loss and elimination.

Motsepe further clarified that the head of the disciplinary board, a Senegalese national, recused himself from the process to ensure fairness.

“The head of the disciplinary board is from Senegal and he could not participate in the review because he is from Senegal,” he said.

The Senegalese Football Federation has since rejected the ruling, describing it as unjust and damaging to African football, and has indicated plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The development continues to spark debate across the continent, raising concerns over officiating decisions.