CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed support for Senegal’s decision to appeal the ruling that stripped them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, signalling that the governing body is prepared to allow the legal process to take its course.
CAF officially revised the outcome of the final on March 17, 2026, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory after determining that Senegal had forfeited the match under tournament regulations. The decision overturned Senegal’s win on the field and has since sparked widespread debate across Africa’s football community.
Addressing the controversy, Motsepe said CAF is treating the issue with utmost seriousness and has already begun reviewing the concerns raised by the incident. He noted that the organisation is taking steps to correct any shortcomings identified and to ensure stronger procedures in the future.
Motsepe also defended the integrity of CAF’s judicial bodies, insisting that the verdict aligns with the organisation’s rules and principles. At the same time, he emphasised that public confidence is crucial, stressing that football supporters across all 54 member nations must view decisions by referees, VAR officials, match commissioners, and disciplinary panels as fair, independent, and impartial.
Senegal’s appeal is expected to play a decisive role in determining the tournament’s final outcome. If successful, it could restore their title, while a failed challenge would confirm Morocco as the official champions.
CAF’s stance suggests the body is prepared to let due process run its course, even as scrutiny intensifies over one of the most controversial episodes in recent African football history. For many observers, the final verdict will not only determine the rightful champions of AFCON 2025 but also influence confidence in the governance of African football going forward.
