CAF President Dr Motsepe defends Appeals Board decision… tells Senegal to ‘go to court’

The CAF Appeals Chamber overturned an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Council on the AFCON title match between Senegal and Morocco, awarding the trophy to Morocco with a 3-0 victory.

The appeals board is led by Judge Roli Daibo-Harriman, a Nigerian judge elected in 2023.

Other members include Faustino Varela Monteiro (Cape Verde) as vice-president, Moez Ben Tahar Nasri (Tunisia), Moses Ikanqa (Namibia), Hamoud T’feil Bowbe (Mauritania)

Mohamed Robleh Djama (Djibouti), Asogbavi Komlan (Togo), Judge Masauko Timothy Msungama (Malawi) and Lubamba Ngimbi Hector (DR Congo).

The Appeal Board’s decision drew harsh criticism from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which called the ruling “unfair” and “unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Senegal has elevated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Motsepe responds

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe highlighted the independence of the Appeals Board and reaffirmed Senegal’s right to take further legal action. In a statement, he said:

“The CAF Appeals Committee, chaired by a judge, is completely independent. The fact that the Disciplinary Committee and the Appeals Committee have reached two diametrically opposed decisions is proof of true autonomy.

“We have staffed these bodies with some of the most respected legal experts and judges on the continent.

“Each of the 54 African nations has the right to take the necessary legal action to defend its interests. We will comply and respect the decision that will be made at the highest level.

“A fundamental principle is that no African country will be treated more privileged, advantageous or favorable than any other country on the African continent.

“The events and incidents that occurred during the final highlight the work that remains to be done in the face of suspicion and lack of trust. This is a legacy of the past.”

Despite Motsepe’s assurances, speculation persists that the CAF leadership may have influenced the outcome.

Also read: FIFA rejects Nigeria’s request on DRC’s eligibility and NFF prepares to appeal

Critics point to the dismissal of Yacine Othman Robleh, head of the judicial body that oversees the disciplinary and investigative committees, following intense pressure over sanctions imposed on Morocco.

The decision, the appeal process and Senegal’s appeal to the CAS are expected to keep African football under intense scrutiny in the coming months.