Motsepe opens up to corruption allegations over CAF AFCON stock

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has rejected allegations of corruption following the organisation’s controversial decision to strip Senegal of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.

Speaking in Morocco on Thursday, Motsepe rejected the allegations raised by Senegalese authorities, insisting that CAF has nothing to hide and remains open to legal scrutiny.

“If anyone wants to take legal action alleging that there is corruption in the CAF, I not only welcome it, but I encourage it,” he said.

Motsepe added that the organization respects the judicial authority of all member countries.

“There is nothing to hide. We greatly respect the legal and judicial sovereignty of each of our 54 nations on the African continent.

“I am confident that whatever the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport says, we will respect it and implement it,” he said.

The controversy followed CAF’s decision to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 win over Morocco in the AFCON final held on January 18 in Rabat.

The football body subsequently awarded a 3–0 victory to Morocco, citing tournament regulations after Senegalese players, along with coach Pape Thiaw and team officials, walked off the pitch following a penalty awarded to Morocco, which was ultimately missed by striker Brahim Díaz.

Motsepe stressed that CAF will abide by the outcome of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Senegal appealed against the decision.

The ruling sparked outrage in Senegal, with the government calling for an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF, further raising tensions over the disputed final.