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Fresh questions have emerged over the handling of the 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, following recent comments from Patrice Motsepe that have reignited debate around the controversial match.
According to new reporting by Spanish outlet AS.com, Motsepe’s latest public appearance has added to the uncertainty surrounding the events of the final, which took place in Rabat in January and remains under review.
The controversy centers on the moment during the match when Senegal players temporarily left the pitch in protest. Despite the situation, no additional disciplinary sanctions were issued at the time, including for players who had already been booked.
That decision has been questioned, particularly given the scale of the disruption. The match’s outcome was ultimately overturned. The case is currently being examined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
During his recent press conference, Motsepe declined to directly address allegations that instructions may have been given to the referee regarding the handling of yellow cards. Instead, he referred the question to CAF’s secretary general, the exact move that has drawn criticism.
Silence fuels speculation
CAF’s secretary general confirmed only that the governing body is “following an ongoing procedure,” without confirming or denying the claims.
The absence of a clear denial has fueled doubts about potential interference in the refereeing of the match, an argument that has been strongly defended in Morocco since the final.
The reports also mention the possible involvement of Olivier Safari, although no official confirmation has been provided.
The 2025 AFCON continues to make African football governance look bad. CAF has previously cleared match officials of wrongdoing, but there are legal proceedings ongoing and questions still unanswered.
As things stand, the lack of definitive explanations from CAF leadership is keeping the controversy alive.
Read also: 2025 AFCON Final: The Truth About Senegal’s Walk-Off, Logistics Claims, and a Decisive Rulebook
