By Kwame Bediako
CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe insisted his actions in the Senegal-Morocco AFCON 2025 saga fully align with the law during a press conference in Dakar on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Fresh from meetings with Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and federation boss Abdoulaye Fall, Motsepe stood firm amid strained ties.
“I gave Sadio Mane the gold medal, I gave Koulibaly the gold medal, I gave Sadio Mane the trophy. I gave Sadio Mane $10 million, but I have to follow the law,” Motsepe declared, emphasizing rules over sentiment.
The dispute erupted when Senegal’s players walked off for 17 minutes after Morocco’s penalty award in the Rabat final. Brahim Diaz missed, but Pape Gueye’s stoppage-time winner sealed Senegal’s initial victory, until Morocco appealed.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board upheld Senegal, but the Appeals Jury overturned it in March, declaring Morocco 3-0 winners. Senegal contests this at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Motsepe praised the Senegalese-led Disciplinary Board head, who recused himself: “I am very proud of him.” As legal battles loom, Motsepe’s words signal CAF’s resolve in football’s fiercest continental clash.
