Controversial CAN 2025 ruling: CAF president meets Senegalese officials

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, arrived in Dakar late Tuesday for a high-stakes visit, nearly a month after the governing body controversially stripped Senegal of its CAN 2025 title, awarding it to Morocco instead. The decision, based on disputed regulations, has sparked widespread outrage in Senegal.

Motsepe, who landed at Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, was greeted by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). According to a CAF statement, the visit includes a symbolic stop at Gorée Island—a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history—before a scheduled meeting with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. A press conference is set for 5:30 PM local time (GMT) in Dakar.

Why the CAF’s decision triggered national outrage

The controversy stems from the chaotic January final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time after a contentious refereeing decision. Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest following an awarded penalty to Morocco in stoppage time, which was ultimately missed by Brahim Díaz in a dramatic panenka attempt. The match’s irregularities set the stage for CAF’s March 17 ruling, which declared Senegal’s team “forfeited” and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory under articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations.

Senegal’s football federation received the appeal decision only three weeks ago and has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), though no ruling date has been set. The CAF’s decision has fueled accusations of corruption within African football’s governing body, with Senegal’s government demanding an international investigation into alleged irregularities. Motsepe has dismissed these claims, emphasizing the independence of CAF’s disciplinary processes.

Motsepe’s mission: restoring trust in African football

Motsepe’s visit follows his late March announcement of planned trips to Senegal and Morocco to emphasize unity and collaboration in African football development. The visit comes amid intense scrutiny of CAF’s decision-making, with critics questioning the transparency and fairness of the ruling. While Motsepe has reiterated respect for legal processes, including the CAS appeal, tensions remain high in Senegal, where the decision is widely viewed as unjust.

The CAF president’s agenda includes addressing concerns raised by Senegalese officials and stakeholders, though the outcome of his meetings remains uncertain. As the football community awaits the CAS ruling, the controversy continues to overshadow the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.