President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, says the governing body will fully respect Senegal’s right to appeal following the controversial decision to declare Morocco national football team winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the matter, Motsepe confirmed that Senegal national football team are expected to challenge the ruling and emphasized that CAF will support due process at every level.
“I’m told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important. Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue their appeals… not only at CAF but also at the highest body, which is the CAS, and we will adhere and respect the decisions taken at that level,” he said.
Motsepe stressed that fairness remains central to CAF’s operations, insisting that no nation would receive preferential treatment.
“A critical factor is that not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner that is more preferential, more advantageous or more favorable than any other country on the African continent,” he stated.
The CAF president acknowledged concerns surrounding the AFCON 2025 final held in Morocco, noting that the body is taking the matter seriously and has already begun reviewing areas of concern.
“We take what has happened at the final match… very seriously. We have already started important steps to address deficiencies and ensure necessary improvements,” he added.
Motsepe further underlined the importance of public trust in CAF’s judicial processes, refereeing, and match officiating systems, including VAR.
“It is important that football supporters across all 54 countries regard the decisions of our judicial bodies as fair, with integrity and impartiality,” he said.
The case could now head to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where a final determination may be made if Senegal proceed with their appeal.
