CAF president Patrice Motsepe has urged the anger caused by the turmoil over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title not to destroy unity in African football.
Motsepe said this during his visit to Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, where he had a meeting with the president of the country, Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the president of the Senegalese football governing body, Abdoulaye Fall.
Senegal became champions in January, after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final with a goal blocked by Pape Gueye in extra time.
That happened after the Senegalese players left the field because the referee gave Morocco a penalty at the end of the second half.
Sadio Mane, who was the captain that day, picked up his teammates, the game continued, Brahim Diaz’s penalty was blocked by Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
Things turned around last month, when the CAF decision review board announced that it had decided to strip Senegal of the title and give it to Morocco.
According to this board, when the Senegal players left the field they boycotted the game, which means that Morocco won 3-0.
Senegal has chosen to refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The organization that hears cases related to sports has confirmed that it has received Senegal’s request but it will take some time for a decision to be made.
The Lions of Teranga seem to be ignoring CAF’s recent decision as they have retained the Afcon trophy. This team toured the field with the trophy a few weeks ago when they played a friendly against Peru in Paris, France.
Motsepe believes that his trip will ease the disagreement between Senegal and Morocco.
“My job is to pay attention to all the 54 groups in Africa, but it is true that we have had several challenges. We must make sure that our people in Africa see us as united, and that where there are problems, we overcome them together,” said Motsepe while speaking to the media in Senegal.
“Whatever decision will come out, I will respect it. I have to follow the rules, I cannot break them. Football affects emotions and I respect that. I know that the feelings of the Senegalese people, as well as the Moroccans, have been affected.”
Motsepe said that Caf has started using new tactics to deal with the issues of distrust of referees and other things that will make people trust the organization again.
“It happens that there are decisions that do not sit well with the fans and all those who participate in football. These changes we are working on will ensure that African football is more trusted,” continued Motsepe.
“We do not tolerate corruption in any form. We will never hide corruption. The decision will come no matter what we say, the most important thing is that we come out strong and united. Right now we are focusing on the World Cup and the growth of African football.”
Motsepe also visited Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday afternoon, where he held meetings with the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and others involved in Moroccan football.