Patrice Motsepe defends CAF integrity after Morocco awarded AFCON title

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has responded to the scepticism surrounding African football’s integrity. CAF controversially stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco instead.

This shocking development has sent ripples through the African football landscape and has raised significant trust issues within the sport. This unsettling matter has compelled Motsepe to respond. In a video statement released on Wednesday evening, a visibly agitated Motsepe expressed his dismay over the events that unfolded, indicating that they compromise years of dedicated efforts to uphold integrity and good governance.

“It undermines the good work that CAF have done over many, many years to ensure that there’s integrity, there’s respect, there’s ethics, there’s governance, as well as the credibility of the results of our football matches,” he stated.

Motsepe acknowledged that the perception of mistrust in African football is a long-standing legacy issue. The “legacy of suspicion and mistrust” casts a long shadow over the continent’s governance. With scepticism regarding the impartiality of referees and match commissioners fuelled by this situation, he took the opportunity to highlight the reforms enacted under his presidency.

“When I became president, my main concern was to ensure the impartiality, independence, and respect of referees and match commissioners,” Motsepe asserted, adding that CAF had done a significant amount of positive work.

The turmoil erupted following Senegal’s tense encounter with Morocco, which climaxed in a dramatic final match in which Senegal initially walked off the field in protest of what they deemed a dubious penalty awarded to Morocco. Despite this gesture, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory in extra time.

Initially, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected Morocco’s protest. However, the Appeals Board later upheld the complaint, citing violations of tournament regulations by Senegal. This ruling has drawn outrage among players, fans, and stakeholders.

Moreover, Motsepe defended the integrity of CAF’s disciplinary and appeals boards, emphasising that they are composed of highly respected legal practitioners from across Africa.

“It is important to view the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board with respect and integrity,” he insisted.

However, the fight to restore trust in the system endures, as evidence of favouritism and corruption continues to plague perceptions surrounding African football. Motsepe, elected as CAF president in 2021, recognised that substantial work still lies ahead.

“I’m told that Senegal are going to appeal, which is very important. Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has the right to pursue appeals, and we will adhere to and respect the decision taken at the highest level,” he added.

Addressing concerns that Morocco perhaps wields too much influence within the sport, he firmly rejected notions of preferential treatment, stating, “No country in Africa will receive more favourable treatment than another.”