The President of the Confederation of African
Football, Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed that the organisation will abide by
the final ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the disputed
2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Motsepe made this known on April 9 during a visit to
Senegal, weeks after CAF’s Appeals Committee made the controversial decision to
overturn the tournament’s outcome and award the title to Morocco.
The decision, announced on March 17, came after CAF
reviewed the circumstances surrounding the AFCON final, where Senegal had
initially secured a 1–0 victory on the pitch. However, the governing body later
ruled in favour of Morocco with a 3–0 result, citing a breach of competition
rules after Senegal’s players walked off the field during the match.
The ruling triggered strong reactions in Senegal, with
authorities questioning the integrity of the decision and calling for an
independent investigation into the matter. The Senegalese Football Federation
subsequently filed an appeal with CAS, seeking to overturn CAF’s verdict.
Addressing the ongoing dispute, Motsepe stated that
the matter is now in the hands of the arbitration body, and CAF will fully
respect and implement whatever decision is reached.
He explained that his visit to Senegal was part of
efforts to engage with football authorities, government officials, and
stakeholders, with the aim of promoting unity and maintaining strong
relationships within the African football community.
Motsepe also stressed that while the legal process
continues, CAF remains focused on its broader mission of developing football
across the continent and strengthening the game among member nations.
He is expected to deliver a similar message during his
visit to Morocco, as part of a diplomatic effort to ease tensions surrounding
the dispute.
The ongoing case continues to draw attention across
Africa, with many awaiting the final ruling from CAS, which is expected to
determine the official outcome of the 2025 AFCON title.
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