CAF President Open to Corruption Inquiry

CAF’s Stance on Investigations

Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has expressed his support for an investigation into allegations of corruption within the organization. This statement comes in the wake of Senegal’s government seeking accountability after their country’s football team was recently stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, which was subsequently awarded to Morocco, the finalists.

The West African nation is awaiting the results of an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Motsepe visited Senegal on Wednesday, where he engaged with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and senior officials from the Senegalese Football Federation.

Motsepe’s Call for Transparency

“I would welcome any investigation [into corruption at CAF], be it conducted by a government agency, an independent body, or any entity,” Motsepe stated during a press briefing in Dakar. He emphasized the necessity for transparency by saying, “It’s crucial to uncover any misconduct within CAF, and we are prepared to take immediate action.”

He further remarked, “We have a responsibility towards our people in Africa. If any governmental or institutional body wishes to proceed with an investigation, they are more than welcome to do so.” He reiterated his commitment to cooperate fully with any such inquiry and even encouraged them to move ahead.

Background on the AFCON Controversy

The CAF appeals committee concluded that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON final held in Rabat on January 18, as several players left the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time of the second half.

Although the Senegalese players returned after approximately 17 minutes, a penalty kick taken by Brahim Diaz was saved, resulting in Senegal winning the match 1-0 after extra time.

Following the CAF appeals board’s decision on March 17, the organization faced a crisis of credibility, leading to General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba stepping down on March 29.

Motsepe stressed that he holds a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption, deeming it “worse than a pandemic like COVID-19 or cancer.” He firmly stated, “While I am president of CAF, we will not cover up any corruption issues.”

He added, “Corruption is a significant challenge, not just in football. We want to ensure that we set the best example for our youth, not fostering the idea that success in life can be achieved through corrupt means.”

Commitment to Upholding Legal Decisions

Regarding the ongoing matter involving Senegal and Morocco, which is currently under CAS review, Motsepe reiterated his commitment to adhere to the court’s decision once it is rendered.

“There is nothing new I can share on this issue that I haven’t repeated many times before,” he told BBC Afrique. “As president of CAF, it is my duty to respect CAS’s ruling, which represents the highest authority in football arbitration globally.”

He added, “Implementing that decision is paramount.”

In the meantime, he acknowledged that discussions are underway at a diplomatic level regarding the detention of 18 Senegalese fans in Morocco after disturbances during the AFCON final.

After concluding his visit to Dakar, Motsepe proceeded to Morocco to meet with football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa and government representatives, followed by another press conference.

Related Topics

• Morocco
• Senegal
• African Sports
• Football