Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has justified the controversial decision to hand Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, saying African football’s credibility must come before public opinion.
The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeals Board on 17 March, overturned Senegal’s victory after finding that their players breached competition rules during the final. Senegal had briefly walked off the pitch in protest before returning to complete the match, which they eventually won after extra time.
Following Morocco’s appeal against earlier disciplinary measures, the Appeals Board ruled that the incident violated CAF regulations and warranted stripping Senegal of the title—awarding it instead to Morocco.
The decision has sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing CAF of damaging the integrity of the competition. Questions have also been raised about the independence of the Appeals Board, with some suggesting outside influence in the ruling.
But Motsepe insists the governing body had no choice but to act firmly.
He said the events during the final undermined years of work aimed at restoring trust, fairness and professionalism in African football. According to him, CAF is still dealing with long-standing concerns about officiating and governance, and failing to act decisively would have worsened those doubts.
Motsepe also addressed concerns about the Appeals Board, stressing the need for judicial independence within CAF structures, even as scrutiny grows over how such decisions are made.
Meanwhile, Senegal is expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Motsepe welcomed the move, saying every member association has the right to seek justice through the highest legal channels.
He added that CAF will respect whatever outcome emerges from the arbitration process, maintaining that no country will receive preferential treatment as the organisation works to strengthen discipline and restore confidence in its competitions.
