CAF President Motsepe Denies Morocco Favoritism in AFCON Dispute

Motsepe backs CAF's decision amid Senegal-Morocco row

CAF President Patrice Motsepe denies Morocco received preferential treatment in appeal process after AFCON final controversy. No evidence of favoritism in AFCON appeal, says CAF President Motsepe amid CAS case.

Motsepe addresses Senegal-Morocco dispute, saying CAF is committed to fairness and transparency...

CAF President Patrice Motsepe is calling for transparency, saying he'd welcome an investigation into corruption allegations within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “I would welcome any investigation into corruption at CAF, be it by a government or any institution,” Motsepe said, emphasizing that they're committed to zero tolerance on corruption.

The controversy stems from Senegal being stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, which was awarded to Morocco instead. Senegal's government demanded an investigation, citing concerns over fairness and integrity. Motsepe assures that CAF will cooperate fully with any probe, stressing that no country will receive preferential treatment.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe is urging unity after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco. The match, held on January 18 in Rabat, ended with Senegal winning 1-0, but was marred by controversy when Senegalese players left the field in protest of referee decisions.

Motsepe met with Senegalese Football Federation officials and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, emphasizing the need for unity. He'll be heading to Morocco on Thursday for similar talks, aiming to address the fallout from the final.

“I would welcome any investigation into corruption at CAF, be it by a government or any institution,” Motsepe told reporters. “In fact, I would encourage it. We will give them our full cooperation.

“I have been told there were problems in the past and we intervened. It is not just in football, but in business and politics too. We cannot give our children the perception that if you want to succeed in life, be corrupt. There has to be zero tolerance (for corruption).

“That's the best gift we can give football in Africa. Not just talking about corruption, but intervene, put the necessary laws (in place) and implement them.”

CAF President Patrice Motsepe is staying tight-lipped on the Senegal-Morocco AFCON final dispute, saying he'll respect the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision. “There is nothing I can tell you that I haven't said already... I have an obligation to respect that the matter is now in front of the highest sports court in the world,” Motsepe stated.

Motsepe's comments come after Senegal's government demanded an investigation into alleged corruption within CAF following the decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title and award it to Morocco. The controversy stems from Senegal walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco during the final.

“There is nothing I can tell you that I haven't said already 10, 15, 20 times. You can ask me the same question 100 times, I'll give you the same answer 100 times. I have an obligation to respect that the matter is now in front of the highest (sports) court in the world.”

Motsepe dismissed claims that Morocco received preferential treatment in the appeal process, saying there's no evidence to support such allegations. “I want to assure you that there was no preferential treatment given to any party,” he stated, emphasizing CAF's commitment to fairness.

“Under no circumstances will any single country in Africa be treated more preferentially or more favourably than any other. That will never happen,” he said. 

“We are confident we will come out of these challenges more united amongst the 54 nations in Africa.”