CAF denies preferential treatment for Morocco

Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), confirmed his full readiness to support any investigation into corruption within the federation, indicating that there is nothing to hide, during a meeting with Senegalese officials in the capital, Dakar, on Wednesday.

This statement came after the Senegalese government last month demanded an investigation into corruption, following the CAF Appeals Committee’s decision to deprive Senegal of the 2025 Nations Cup title and award it to Morocco, following chaotic events in the final match held on January 18 in Rabat, in which Senegal won 1-0, as the Senegalese players left the field for several minutes in protest against the awarding of a penalty kick to Morocco.

During his meeting today with officials of the Senegalese Football Association and Senegalese President Basseiro Diomai Faye, Motsepe stressed the need for unity and solidarity among all parties after the repercussions of the final match, announcing that he will travel to Morocco tomorrow, Thursday, to hold similar meetings with officials there.

Motsepe told reporters: "I will welcome any investigation related to corruption, whether conducted by the government or any other party, and we will cooperate fully with it. Problems have arisen in the past and we have intervened, and the issue is not limited to football only, but also includes work and politics. We must teach our children that success is not based on corruption."

He added: “I think this is the best thing that can be offered to football in Africa, by implementing the laws and implementing them instead of just talking about corruption.”

In response to questions about the dispute between Senegal and Morocco, which is being considered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Motsepe simply said: “The case is before the highest sports court, and I will not add anything that I have not said before. It is my duty to respect these procedures.”

The CAF President denied any preference for Morocco in the appeal process, stressing that “no country in Africa will receive preferential treatment, and there is confidence that these challenges will strengthen the unity of the union among the countries of the continent.”