CAF president Patrice Motsepe has firmly rejected claims of favoritism within African football’s governing body, insisting that all nations are treated equally amid the ongoing fallout from the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final controversy.
Speaking after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Sunday, Motsepe addressed mounting concerns over whether Morocco had benefited unfairly following the Appeals Committee’s decision to overturn the final result against Senegal.
“Everyone is Equal”
Motsepe was emphatic in his response, dismissing any suggestion of preferential treatment.
“Everyone is equal to me, and I apply the principle of justice in all decisions taken,” he stated.
“No local federation has an advantage over others, regardless of the name of that federation.”
His comments come amid intense scrutiny of CAF’s decision-making processes after the governing body awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory following Senegal’s walk-off during the final.
Admitting Room for Improvement
While defending CAF’s integrity, Motsepe acknowledged that the organisation is still evolving and has not yet reached its ideal standards.
“If you ask me if we have reached the highest standards, I would say that we still have work to do.”
The admission reflects growing pressure on CAF to strengthen transparency and governance, particularly in high-stakes decisions that shape the outcome of major competitions.
Independence Under the Spotlight
A key issue raised during the press conference was the independence of CAF’s judicial bodies, which have played a central role in the AFCON ruling.
Motsepe dismissed concerns but conceded that mistakes can happen.
“We may make mistakes, but I assure you that we have improved a lot in managing African football.”
He maintained that CAF’s disciplinary and appeals structures operate independently and without external influence.
Uncertainty Over AFCON Title
Despite the Appeals Committee’s ruling, confusion remains over the official status of the 2025 AFCON title.
Motsepe avoided providing a definitive answer, emphasizing that CAF would respect due process as the matter progresses legally.
“We gave the Senegalese team the cup… the Moroccan team appealed, and we will respect any decision that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will announce.”
The case is now in the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose ruling is expected to determine the final outcome.
A Defining Test for CAF
As the dispute drags on, CAF finds itself at the center of one of the most contentious episodes in recent African football history.
The organisation must now balance legal integrity with growing demands for accountability and transparency from players, officials, and fans across the continent.
For Motsepe, the message remains clear:
“I must ensure the implementation of the law, respect integrity, and promote professionalism.”
