Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has expressed support for an independent corruption investigation into the continental football governing body, saying CAF has nothing to conceal amid an ongoing dispute involving Senegal and Morocco over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Motsepe made the remarks in Dakar after meeting officials from the Senegalese Football Federation and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as tensions continue following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and award it to Morocco.
Senegal’s government last month called for a corruption probe after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final played in Rabat. Senegal had initially won the match 1–0 but left the pitch briefly in protest over a late refereeing decision, triggering disciplinary proceedings that ultimately altered the outcome.
Speaking to reporters, Motsepe said CAF would fully cooperate with any inquiry conducted by governments or independent institutions.
“I would welcome any investigation into corruption at CAF,” he said. “We will give full cooperation because transparency and integrity are essential for African football.”
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He acknowledged that football institutions, like other sectors, have faced governance challenges in the past, stressing that African football must promote zero tolerance toward corruption.
“We cannot allow young people to believe success comes through corruption,” Motsepe said, adding that stronger regulations and enforcement mechanisms remain critical for the sport’s credibility.
The CAF president declined to comment directly on the ongoing legal dispute between Senegal and Morocco, noting that the matter is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest judicial authority in global sport.
Motsepe also dismissed claims that Morocco received preferential treatment during the appeal process, insisting that no country enjoys special status within CAF structures.
“Under no circumstances will any country be treated more favourably than another,” he said.
Motsepe is expected to continue consultations in Morocco as CAF leadership seeks to calm tensions and reinforce unity within African football while awaiting the court’s final ruling on the contested AFCON decision.
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