PATRICE Motsepe has reiterated confidence in CAF’s judicial processes after a dramatic ruling saw Morocco awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title at Senegal’s expense.
The decision, confirmed earlier this week, reversed the original outcome, which Morocco had lost 1-0, and crowned them champions weeks after the tournament ended.
Senegal is now preparing to challenge the outcome at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Addressing the fallout, Motsepe pointed to the independence of CAF’s legal bodies, highlighting that both the disciplinary committee and appeals board function autonomously under qualified leadership.
“We will still have to deal with the perceptions and the concerns about the integrity [of CAF],” Motsepe admitted.
“It’s an ongoing issue. We are very clear at CAF that we are committed to ensuring that …not only in terms of what we do … because we have implemented best practices.”
According to Motsepe, the structure of CAF’s judicial system, which includes legal experts drawn from all 54 member associations, is designed to ensure credibility and fairness across decisions.
“Partly, the independence is reflected by the decisions that were taken by the two bodies. The CAF disciplinary board took one decision while the CAF appeals board took a totally different position. I am told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important.”
With Senegal set to escalate the matter, Motsepe reiterated that CAF would fully respect the authority of CAS and any verdict it delivers.
“Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue and advance its interests… at the highest body, which is CAS, and we will adhere to and respect the decision that is taken at the highest level,” he said.
“A critical factor is that not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner that is more preferential or more favourable than any other country.”
On the Moroccan side, Omar Khyari welcomed the outcome, while underlining that their case was rooted in regulatory compliance rather than questioning performances on the field.
“Our approach was not intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams involved,” Khyari said, “but solely to request the application of the competition regulations.”
He added that Morocco remains focused on protecting the integrity of the competition framework going forward.
“We remain committed to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining the stability of African competitions.”
Khyari also acknowledged the broader significance of the tournament, commending all participating nations for contributing to what he described as a landmark edition of AFCON, even as the outcome continues to stir debate. – Wires