Senegal’s government last month demanded an investigation into corruption after the ‌country was stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title by the CAF Appeal Board, and the trophy was awarded to the final opponents, Morocco.

It follows unruly scenes in the January 18 decider in Rabat that ​Senegal won 1-0, but during which they left the field for several minutes in ​protest at a late refereeing decision.

Motsepe met with officials from the Senegalese Football ⁠Federation and Senegal president Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Wednesday, where he urged unity following ​the fallout from the final. He will be in Morocco on Thursday for a similar set ​of meetings.

“I would welcome any investigation into corruption at CAF, be it by a government or any institution,” Motsepe told reporters. “In fact, I would encourage it. We will give them our full cooperation.

“I have been told ​there were problems in the past and we intervened. It is not just in football, ​but in business and politics too. We cannot give our children the perception that if you want to ‌succeed ⁠in life, be corrupt. There has to be zero tolerance (for corruption).

“That’s the best gift we can give football in Africa. Not just talking about corruption, but intervene, put the necessary laws in place) and implement them.”

Motsepe would not be drawn on the matter between Senegal and Morocco, which ​is now before the Court of ⁠Arbitration for Sport.

“There is nothing I can tell you that I haven’t said already 10, 15, 20 times. You can ask me the ​same question 100 times, I’ll give you the same answer 100 times. ​I have ⁠an obligation to respect that the matter is now in front of the highest (sports) court in the world.”

Motsepe quashed any suggestion that Morocco had been treated favourably in the appeal process.

“Under no circumstances ⁠will ​any single country in Africa be treated more preferentially ​or more favourably than any other. That will never happen,” he said.

“We are confident we will come out of these ​challenges more united amongst the 54 nations in Africa.”

-Reuters

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Patrice Motsepe has intensified his diplomatic shuttle across African football corridors with a crucial visit to Morocco scheduled for Thursday, as the fallout from the controversial AFCON 2025 Final continues to reverberate across the continent.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Motsepe will meet with Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), alongside other key stakeholders within Morocco’s football ecosystem.

Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)

The high-level engagement in Rabat comes barely 24 hours after Motsepe’s crisis-management visit to Senegal, underlining CAF’s urgency in addressing the tensions and conflicting reports that have trailed the AFCON final.

Thursday’s meeting is expected to focus on fact-finding, reconciliation, and institutional alignment following the chaotic circumstances that marred the tournament’s climax. The Moroccan FA has been central to the unfolding controversy, with administrative and refereeing decisions from the final still under scrutiny.

CAF disclosed that the visit will conclude with a press conference in Rabat at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT), where Motsepe is expected to address the media and possibly provide updates on CAF’s ongoing review of the final.

While details of the agenda remain closely guarded, the visit signals a continuation of Motsepe’s hands-on approach to crisis resolution, engaging directly with national federations in a bid to preserve the integrity of African football competitions.

CAF and the FRMF have indicated that further details regarding the outcomes of the visit will be communicated in due course, as stakeholders across the continent await clarity on one of the most contentious finals in recent AFCON history.

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The visit comes against the backdrop of the chaotic and disputed AFCON 2025 final in Rabat, a match marred by heavy rainfall, administrative confusion, and conflicting official reports from within CAF and its committees.

The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of that final has cast a shadow over African football governance, prompting urgent calls for clarity and institutional accountability.

Sources indicate that Motsepe’s meeting with President Faye will extend beyond routine courtesy, touching on broader issues of football governance, tournament integrity, and the role of national associations in safeguarding the credibility of continental competitions.

Senegal, a major stakeholder in African football and one of the continent’s most influential football nations, is expected to play a key role in shaping the narrative going forward.

Motsepe will also hold discussions with Abdoulaye Fall, focusing on collaboration between CAF and its member associations, as well as mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of the controversies that plagued the AFCON final.

While CAF has yet to officially outline the agenda, observers believe the visit signals an attempt by the continental body to consolidate support among key football nations and manage the fallout from the final’s unresolved issues.

The optics of engaging directly with political leadership further underline the seriousness of the situation.

CAF and the Senegalese Football Federation have both stated that more details regarding the visit will be released in due course, leaving stakeholders across the continent watching closely for signals on how African football’s governing body intends to restore confidence in its competitions.

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While Senegal emerged victorious in the tense encounter, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to officially validate the result, as Morocco continues to challenge the circumstances of the match.

Reports emerging from Spanish publication Diario AS now paint a picture of a final marred by disputes, strategic decisions, and chaotic scenes.

Pre-Match Tensions and Alleged Defiance

According to sources cited in the report, the Senegalese delegation may have ignored several logistical recommendations issued by organisers ahead of the final in Rabat.

Officials had reportedly advised teams to avoid certain transport routes due to crowd control concerns. However, Senegal is said to have opted for alternative arrangements, a move some insiders interpret as a calculated risk that later shaped the narrative of poor organisation.

Concerns also emerged over accommodation. Senegal had objected to being housed at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Morocco’s technical centre, raising fears of possible surveillance.

Yet, the same facility had hosted other teams, including Cameroon, without incident and had even received positive reviews during the tournament.

Chaos in the Closing Moments

The tension reached a boiling point deep into stoppage time. In the 97th minute, a controversial penalty decision triggered scenes of confusion and protest.

Most of the Senegalese players reportedly walked off the pitch in protest, leaving only a handful, including star forward Sadio Mané, and some officials behind.

In an unusual twist, some players are said to have gone live on social media from the dressing room as the match hung in limbo.

The interruption, which lasted around 30 minutes, has since become a focal point of the controversy.

Reports suggest that during the break, match officials may have been instructed to avoid issuing yellow cards to Senegalese players upon their return, in an effort to prevent further escalation and possible dismissals.

CAF Caught in the Middle

CAF has since condemned what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” from both teams, acknowledging that the final fell short of expected standards.

Morocco, while admitting certain lapses—such as the conduct of ball boys toward Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy—has rejected any portrayal of Senegal as the sole victim in the saga.

Instead, the dispute has now shifted beyond the pitch, evolving into a broader battle involving legal arguments, administrative review, and international public opinion.

A Title Still in Limbo

Despite Senegal’s triumph on the field, uncertainty lingers over the official status of the result. The delay in validation underscores the seriousness of the issues raised and the complexity of resolving them.

For African football, the episode raises troubling questions about match organisation, officiating integrity, and team conduct at the highest level of the game.

As CAF deliberates, what should have been a celebration of continental football excellence has instead become a case study in controversy—one that may yet redefine how such disputes are handled in the future.

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Nearly three months after the ill-fated final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the winner of the tournament remains uncertain, with the case now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAF’s Appeal Committee stripped Senegal of  the title, while the latter has headed to CAS

A Night of Chaos in Rabat

What was meant to be a showpiece finale between Senegal and hosts Morocco descended into confusion amid torrential rain and rising tension. Senegal initially secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, denying Morocco a second continental title, fifty years after their first triumph.

However, the match was marred by extraordinary scenes late in regulation time. With Morocco awarded a contentious penalty in the dying minutes, Senegalese players and officials protested vehemently and eventually walking off the pitch in defiance. The interruption lasted approximately 14 minutes before play resumed.

Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to clinch victory in extra time through Pape Gueye. What appeared to be a historic triumph for the Lions of Teranga soon spiralled into a legal and administrative crisis.

Morocco’s Protest and CAF’s Reversal

In the aftermath, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation filed two formal appeals to CAF, arguing that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted abandonment of the match—an offence punishable by forfeiture under CAF regulations.

On March 17, CAF’s Appeals Committee upheld Morocco’s argument, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match. In a stunning and unprecedented decision, the committee awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, effectively overturning the on-field result.

Senegal’s football authorities swiftly rejected the ruling and escalated the matter to CAS, insisting that the decision violated both sporting integrity and due process.

Le Monde Investigation Raises Alarming Questions

The investigation by Le Monde has now cast serious doubt on the handling of the final by CAF and its officials.

Drawing on five official reports, including those of the referee, match commissioner, and security officials, the newspaper describes a match “spiralling out of control,” with regulations allegedly ignored in favour of avoiding public embarrassment.

The most critical moment, according to the reports, occurred in the 97th minute. Officials, including Tunisia’s Khaled Lemkecher and Egypt’s Ahmed Osman, reportedly confirmed that Senegal “abandoned the match” by retreating to the dressing room, a clear violation that should have triggered immediate forfeiture.

Yet, despite this, the match was allowed to continue.

Even more controversially, the report alleges that behind-the-scenes “instructions” were issued to the referee not to send off Senegalese players who had already been cautioned when play resumed. The aim, it is claimed, was to prevent a potential scandal during the live broadcast of the final.

CAF Under Scrutiny

These revelations have exposed deep contradictions within CAF’s handling of the incident. While the Appeals Committee eventually ruled in Morocco’s favour based on the abandonment argument, the decision to allow the match to continue on the night—and to validate Senegal’s eventual victory before reversing it weeks later—raises questions about procedural consistency and governance.

Observers say the situation highlights a troubling pattern of “ad-hoc” decision-making, where written regulations appear secondary to immediate reputational concerns.

CAS Decision Looms

The case now rests with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose ruling could have far-reaching implications for African football governance.

If CAS adheres strictly to the evidence contained in the official reports cited by Le Monde, there is a strong possibility that Morocco could be definitively awarded the title. Conversely, Senegal will argue that the match’s continuation effectively nullified any claim of abandonment, making CAF’s later reversal legally untenable.

A Crisis of Credibility

Beyond determining the rightful winner, the controversy has plunged African football into a broader credibility crisis. The AFCON final, traditionally a celebration of the continent’s footballing excellence, has instead become a case study in administrative confusion, conflicting interpretations, and institutional fragility.

At stake is not just a trophy, but the integrity of competition governance on the continent. As the football world awaits CAS’s verdict, one lesson is already clear: when rules are bent in the heat of the moment, the consequences can linger long after the final whistle.

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CAF President Patrice Motsepe disclosed the decision on Sunday following an executive committee meeting, describing it as part of the body’s commitment to elevating African football to global standards.

Motsepe said the expansion would create more opportunities for countries across the continent while ensuring that top African players worldwide return home to compete at the highest level.

“This is about our commitment to world-class football, bringing together the best African players from across the globe to compete on the continent,” he stated.

However, the CAF boss did not provide details on how the new 28-team format would be structured or when the expansion would take effect, leaving questions over qualification pathways and tournament scheduling.

Continuity for 2027, New Cycle from 2028

Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 AFCON will proceed as planned with co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, maintaining the current 24-team format for that edition.

In a significant shift, CAF also announced that another AFCON tournament will be staged in 2028, after which the competition will move to a four-year cycle—aligning more closely with other major international tournaments.

CAF Nations League Introduced

In addition to AFCON reforms, CAF revealed plans to introduce an African Nations League starting from 2029. The new competition will be held annually, with a 16-team final tournament staged every two years.

The initiative is aimed at improving the competitiveness, structure and commercial value of the African national team football.

“We have to stop this situation where African fixtures are not predictable, consistent and reliable,” Motsepe said. “We must also focus on developing football in regions like East Africa, which has enormous potential.”

A New Era for African Football

The proposed changes mark one of the most ambitious restructurings of African football competitions in recent years, with CAF seeking to expand participation, enhance organisation and create a more predictable football calendar.

While details are still emerging, the decisions are expected to have far-reaching implications for national teams, qualification formats and the overall growth of the game across the continent.

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CAF ‌president Patrice Motsepe said the changes would strengthen trust and confidence in its referees, VAR operators and judicial bodies, but did not give concrete details.

The announcement followed a meeting of CAF’s executive committee ​in Cairo on Sunday and came on a tumultuous day for the organisation ​as its general secretary resigned.

African football’s governing body has been battling ⁠a crisis of confidence after its Appeal Board stripped Senegal of the Cup of Nations ​title in a decision that has been met with widespread derision.

Senegal were ruled to have ​forfeited the final in Rabat on January 18 after walking off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco. They returned and scored a goal in extra time to ​win the game 1-0.

The decision is being challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport ​and if Senegal win back their title it will be a further blow to CAF’s credibility.

“CAF has ‌taken ⁠extensive legal advice from top African and international football lawyers and experts, to ensure that the CAF statutes and regulations adhere to and implement global football best practices, on and off the field,” Motsepe said in a statement on Sunday.

“This is important for the ​respect, integrity and credibility ​of African referees, ⁠VAR operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.

“CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African referees, VAR ​operators and match commissioners so that they are as good ​as the ⁠best in the world… CAF has made significant progress over the past five years in implementing governance, ethics, transparency and managerial best practices,” the CAF president added.

More precise details on the ⁠changes ​and how they would avoid a repeat of the ​Cup of Nations final controversy were not given by Motsepe, who earlier this month admitted his organisation was struggling ​with perceptions about its integrity.

-Reuters

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The Confederation of African Football may be considering possible disciplinary measures against Senegal following reports that the country’s national team has continued to parade the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy despite being stripped of the title.

The development has triggered fresh debate within African football circles, with CAF understood to be treating the matter as a potential breach of its statutes and disciplinary code.

Sources close to the continental body indicate that Senegal’s actions could be interpreted as defiance of an official ruling, raising concerns about respect for regulatory authority and the precedent such conduct may set for other member associations.

CAF is believed to be weighing a range of sanctions, which could include financial penalties, formal reprimands, or restrictions on the country’s participation in certain CAF programmes and competitions.

While no final decision has been announced, insiders suggest that the governing body is keen to send a strong message on compliance and institutional discipline.

There are also indications that CAF’s disciplinary committee may be tasked with reviewing the circumstances surrounding the continued public display of the trophy, including whether the act constitutes misconduct under its regulations.

The issue is seen as more than a symbolic dispute over silverware. Analysts argue that how CAF handles the situation will reflect its ability to enforce decisions and maintain order among its 54 member associations.

“CAF cannot afford to appear weak on matters of discipline,” a source familiar with the situation said. “If a federation openly disregards a ruling, it undermines the entire governance structure.”

CAF is expected to provide clarity on the issue during an upcoming press engagement, where its president may outline the organisation’s position and any disciplinary steps to be taken.

For Senegal, the situation presents a delicate balancing act between national pride and compliance with continental football authority. For CAF, it represents a critical test of leadership and regulatory enforcement at a time when the credibility of African football governance remains under close watch.

The coming days are likely to determine whether the matter escalates into a full disciplinary case or is resolved through diplomatic engagement behind the scenes.

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Nicolas Jackson ​scored four minutes before halftime, and Ismaila Sarr added a second in the 54th as ‌Senegal won their first game since January’s Cup of Nations final, when they beat Morocco only to be stripped of the title this month.

The Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board awarded Morocco the Cup of Nations title after Senegal had staged a 14-minute walk-off during the final in Rabat, a decision that Senegal is contesting at the Court of Arbitration ​for Sport.

An hour before kick off in Paris on Saturday, Senegal’s players and coach ⁠Pape Bouna Thiaw walked around the pitch with the trophy to a delirious reception from a near-capacity crowd ​as they continue to scoff at the CAF decision.

Thiaw had declared on Friday that “we know we’re African champions” ​and the team wore a newly designed strip featuring two stars above their badge, representing success in the Cup of Nations in 2021 and again this year.

Jackson had an easy put-away for the first goal after a storming run down the right wing ​by Senegal’s teenage starlet Ibrahima Mbaye, taking over the attacking mantle with Sadio Mane absent.

Sarr latched onto a ​ricocheted ball that fell perfectly into his path but had to power past two defenders before scoring the second goal.

There ‌was also ⁠a convincing win for the Ivory Coast as they hammered South Korea 4-0 at Stadium MK, north of London, on Saturday.

Like Senegal, the Ivorians are among the nine African countries that will compete at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S starting in June.

Evann Guessand scored the first goal in the 35th ​minute after being set up ​by debutant Martial Godo, ⁠who then scored the third himself from a rebound at a corner after 62 minutes.

In between, Simon Adingra announced his return to the team with a rasping shot ​on the stroke of halftime to make it 2-0.

He had been omitted from ​the squad for ⁠the Cup of Nations in Morocco at the turn of the year, where the Ivorians were defending their title but went out in the quarter-finals.

Defender Wilfried Singo, another player back in the squad, side-footed the fourth goal with the ⁠last ​kick of the game.

The Ivorians next face Scotland at Everton’s Hill ​Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, while Senegal head home to play neighbours Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday, where they are expected to again brandish ​the golden trophy in front of their home support.

Reuters

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Goals from Jordi Liongola, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Abdoul Karim and Mossi Nduwumwe secured a dominant win at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena, giving Burundi a strong advantage ahead of the return leg in Bujumbura.

The result puts Burundi firmly in control of the two-legged tie as they look to progress to the group stage qualifiers of the next continental finals, set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Burundi made a fast start and were rewarded as early as the sixth minute when Liongola opened the scoring, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to give the visitors an early lead.

Chad struggled to recover from the setback and found themselves further behind just after the half-hour mark when Kanakimana doubled Burundi’s advantage in the 32nd minute.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Chad needed a strong response but it was Burundi who continued to dictate proceedings in the second half.

Karim extended the lead in the 63rd minute, effectively putting the tie beyond the hosts, before Nduwumwe added a fourth goal in the 74th minute to cap a clinical performance.

Meanwhile, Abel Yalew scored twice as Ethiopia secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Sao Tome & Principe to take firm control of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 preliminary round tie.

Kenean Markneh had earlier set Ethiopia on their way with a 22nd-minute opener at El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, before Yalew struck nine minutes later to double the lead and silence any hopes of a response.

Yalew added his second of the night late on, finishing confidently in the 78th minute to hand Ethiopia a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg on 31 March.

The result puts Ethiopia in a strong position as they seek to progress to the group stage of the qualifiers for the 2027 finals.

Elsewhere, Somalia and Mauritius played out a goalless draw in their first-leg clash, leaving their tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture.

The preliminary round marks the beginning of the road to the Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, with 12 of the continent’s lowest-ranked teams competing for six places in the group stage qualifiers.

With a four-goal cushion, Burundi will head into the second leg full of confidence, while Chad face a daunting task to overturn the deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.

-Cafonline

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