SOCCER: CAF president Motsepe calls for unity after AFCON final fracas

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday (April 8) called for unity, governance reforms, and a focus on World Cup preparations as the organization continues to address fallout from the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

The controversy arose after CAF's decision last month to strip Senegal of their AFCON title and award it to Morocco, following a ruling that Senegal forfeited the match by walking off in protest. The decision has sparked widespread outrage, legal challenges, and calls for corruption investigations, with the dispute now pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Speaking after meetings with Senegalese football officials and the country's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Motsepe said CAF would abide by CAS's decision but declined to comment further on the case.

Motsepe acknowledged a broader "crisis of confidence" in the governance of African football, citing issues around refereeing, VAR decisions, and judicial bodies. He emphasized that CAF was implementing reforms to align with global standards and rebuild credibility. He reaffirmed a "zero tolerance" policy on corruption and pledged CAF's support for any independent investigations, adding that transparency was crucial to restoring trust among fans and stakeholders.

Addressing concerns of bias following the championship decision, he assured that no country would receive preferential treatment within CAF, promising equal treatment for all 54 member associations. He also confirmed plans to travel to Morocco next for discussions with football authorities and government officials, describing the talks as part of a broader effort to reduce tensions and reinforce cooperation.

Motsepe said CAF's primary focus remained ensuring that African teams are adequately prepared for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He also emphasized continued investment in grassroots initiatives, football academies, and the women's game.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Motsepe noted that African football had achieved "significant progress" in both governance and finances, expressing optimism that the sport on the continent would emerge "stronger and more united" from the current challenges.

Motsepe will be in Morocco on Thursday (April 9) for a similar set of meetings.

-Ngouda Dione/Reuters