CAF President to visit Senegal following AFCON trophy reversal

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, was in Dakar on Wednesday, April 8, amid growing controversy over the body’s decision to strip Senegal of its AFCON title and award it to Morocco.

Motsepe had earlier announced plans to visit both Senegal and Morocco to promote unity and cooperation in African football following widespread criticism of CAF’s ruling.

During the visit, Motsepe is scheduled to meet Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, at the presidential palace, with a press conference expected afterward. The visit comes at a tense moment after CAF overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final held on January 18 in Rabat.

CAF cited competition regulations regarding leaving the field when it awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory on March 17. The controversy stems from the final moments of the match, when Senegal’s players, along with head coach Pape Thiaw and his staff, walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The penalty, taken by Brahim Diaz, was ultimately missed.

The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The ruling has triggered a strong reaction from Senegal, with the government calling for an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF.

Responding to the controversy, Motsepe said he would respect and implement whatever decision is reached by CAS, adding that his personal views on the matter are not relevant.