Respect Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title - CAF President

The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed the autonomy and credibility of the organization’s judicial structures following growing backlash over Senegal’s removal as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a video statement released on Wednesday, Motsepe stressed the importance of respecting the decisions taken by CAF’s Disciplinary and Appeals Boards, describing them as independent bodies made up of highly qualified legal professionals.

“It is important that the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board are viewed with respect and integrity,” he said. “If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent.”

The controversy stems from the AFCON 2025 final, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in a tense encounter played in January. The match was marred by a dramatic 17-minute walk-off by the Senegalese team, protesting a late penalty awarded to the host nation.

Following a review, CAF ruled that Senegal had breached its disciplinary code during the incident and subsequently overturned the result—sparking widespread criticism from fans, analysts, and football stakeholders across the continent. Motsepe acknowledged the intensity of the public reaction, conceding that concerns about fairness and transparency persist.

“We will still have to deal with this perception and concerns about the integrity. It’s an ongoing issue,” he admitted, signaling CAF’s awareness of the reputational challenges facing African football governance. Despite the backlash, Motsepe maintained that CAF’s judicial processes meet the highest standards and operate independently of external influence.

Meanwhile, Senegal has confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the coming days, setting the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle that could redefine governance and disciplinary accountability within African football. The outcome of the appeal is expected to have far-reaching implications for the integrity of competitions organized by CAF and the broader perception of justice in the sport across the continent.