CAF Boss Patrice Motsepe Calls for Respect for CAF Decisions Amid 2025 AFCON Final Controversy

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has backed the Disciplinary and Appeals Boards and called on everyone to respect their ruling that stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and declared Morocco as champions.

The controversy stems from the dramatic 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. The Teranga Lions won 1-0 in extra time after a tense match, but CAF later overturned the result due to a breach of regulations by Senegal.

The Appeal Board cited violations of Articles 82 and 84, awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit win, and officially named the Atlas Lions as 2025 AFCON champions despite the on-field defeat.

Motsepe defended the process and urged respect for the outcome. “It is important that the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board are viewed with respect and integrity,” he stated.

He highlighted the quality of the bodies involved. “If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent,” Motsepe added, while acknowledging ongoing concerns about perception and integrity.

Senegal has strongly rejected the decision and plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). As pressure builds on CAF, the final word on the 2025 AFCON title now rests with CAS.

By: Iddrisu Abdul Rahim