Rabat – During his visit to Morocco, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe reaffirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, was the most successful edition in the tournament’s history.
Speaking at the CAF General Assembly in Rabat, Motsepe said the event delivered “unprecedented success” across multiple areas, including logistics and security, as well as global coverage. He argued that the competition showed Africa can host tournaments that rival the biggest football events worldwide.
Final controversy and CAF’s new reforms
At the same time, he acknowledged the controversy surrounding the AFCON final, expressing regret over the incidents that happened in the closing match, and confirmed that CAF has already begun reviewing its regulations.
The final marked chaotic events after Senegal’s withdrawal from the tournament, causing a major stoppage time. The final also marked vandalism acts by some Senegalese fans who attempted to storm the pitch and used seats as weapons against security guards.
Motsepe explained that the upcoming reforms aim to strengthen credibility and ensure fair play in future competitions.
𝗗𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗲 🎙️🇲🇦
« 𝗝𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂 𝗮𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗶𝗻 .. 𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗮 𝗙𝗥𝗠𝗙 𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲́… pic.twitter.com/2bLZhJ1QDd
— Izem Anass (@Izemanass) April 9, 2026
Motsepe noted that reforms will focus on disciplinary measures, making sanctions more proportionate and effective.
He stressed that African football must be seen as professional, trustworthy, and capable of competing at the highest level.
Another priority, he added, is restoring confidence in refereeing and judicial bodies. CAF intends to continue institutional reforms, building on progress made in recent years.
Football as a unifying force
Motsepe also stressed the unifying role of football, calling it a bridge between African nations.
He urged federations and fans to protect that spirit of unity. Looking ahead, he pledged CAF’s support for the ten African teams qualified for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and DR Congo.
Motsepe spoke of his personal ties with the country, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and King Mohammed VI.
He said his engagement reflects respect for Morocco’s role in African football.
Yet he admitted his “greatest disappointment” came from the final. He explained that CAF competitions are based on FIFA regulations, and respect for the law is central to protecting African football’s credibility.
CAS Decision Pending
Yesterday, during his visit to Dakar, Motsepe repeated his position that the disputes linked to the final are now in the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He insisted CAF will respect the ruling, whatever it may be.
“You can ask me the same question a hundred times, and I will give the same answer,” he said. “We must wait for CAS and respect its decision.”
In March, CAF’s Appeal Board awarded the AFCON final to Morocco, acknowledging Senegal had breached the tournament’s regulations.
Senegal appealed the decision, taking the case to the sport’s international court, also known as CAS.
Morocco, however, is determined that its case is strong, citing evidence documented during the final.
Motsepe stressed that CAF wants to move forward, focusing on the World Cup and presenting a united front.
He pointed to the strong ties between Morocco and Senegal as an example of cooperation. He also acknowledged the emotions of fans but underlined that CAF cannot act outside the legal framework.
Motsepe recalled awarding the gold medal to Senegal’s Sadio Mané, saying it was a gesture of respect, but added that final decisions rest with the competent bodies.
