I need to follow the rules – CAF Prez defends decision to strip Senegal of AFCON

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe says he had no choice but to respect regulations in the controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title.

Motsepe defended the ruling amid growing backlash, insisting that the decision was not personal but rooted in the governing statutes of African football.

“I have to follow the law, and I have to respect the rules and regulations,” he stated, addressing concerns over CAF’s move to overturn the tournament result.

The CAF Appeals Board recently awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to the Morocco national football team after annulling Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the February final.

Senegal had originally won the match 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal following a missed stoppage-time penalty by Brahim Diaz.

However, following the disciplinary decision, the result has now been officially recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of Morocco, with the trophy awarded to the North African side.

The match had been overshadowed by a brief walk-off by Senegalese players protesting the referee’s decision to award Morocco a late penalty, leading to a delay before play resumed.

CAF later ruled that the actions of the Senegal team breached Article 82 of the competition regulations, which addresses refusal to continue play without authorization, triggering Article 84.

Motsepe emphasised that the disciplinary process was handled independently, with safeguards to ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest.

“A decision was made by the CAF disciplinary board,” he said. “The head of the disciplinary board is from Senegal and he could not participate in the review because he is from Senegal.”

The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly opposed the ruling, describing it as unjust and damaging to the credibility of African football.

Officials from Senegal’s FA have indicated plans to challenge the outcome at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the match do not justify such a severe sanction.

Despite the backlash, Motsepe maintained that CAF’s responsibility is to uphold the integrity of its regulations, even in difficult and controversial situations, a stance that continues to divide opinion across the continent.