President of Africa’s football governing body (CAF) Patrice Motsepe has pushed back against critics following the fallout from the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title.
Speaking at a press conference in Senegal during a visit to the West African nation, Motsepe addressed the controversy as Senegal and Morocco remain locked in a legal battle over the outcome of the tournament.
Senegal had initially beaten Morocco 1-0 to lift the trophy, but CAF’s Appeal Board later awarded the title to Morocco, ruling that Senegal forfeited the final after walking off in protest of a penalty decision.
The Teranga Lions have since taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with Motsepe stating that,
“I gave Sadio Mane [Senegal captain] the gold medal…I gave Sadio Mane the trophy, I gave Sadio Mane 10 million American dollars but I have to follow the law. I have to respect the rules and the regulation” Patrice Motsepe said.
The CAF President arrives in Morocco on Thursday, April 9, 2026, for a similar engagement with Morocco’s Football Federation.
