CAF president admits final controversy damaged African football’s image.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, has confirmed that Senegal national football team have the full right to appeal the controversial verdict that stripped them of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title.
CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco national football team. The decision overturned Senegal’s earlier 1-0 extra-time win, sparking widespread debate across African football.
Senegal have since announced plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, describing the ruling as:
“Unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable… it brings African football into disrepute.”
Reacting to the situation, Motsepe acknowledged both the seriousness of the incident and Senegal’s right to challenge the outcome.
“Every nation has the right to pursue their appeals and advance their interests at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
He also admitted that the chaotic events surrounding the final have damaged the credibility and image of African football, stressing the need to maintain integrity, fairness, and trust in CAF competitions.
“What happened undermines the good work CAF has done… ensuring integrity, respect, and credibility of results.”
Motsepe further highlighted concerns about long-standing issues such as trust in officiating, governance, and judicial independence, describing them as “legacy issues” that CAF continues to address.
With Senegal’s appeal now heading to CAS, the AFCON 2025 controversy is set for a decisive legal battle, one that could shape the future credibility of African football.
