CAF President Motsepe Open to Corruption Probe Amid Senegal Afcon Controversy

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has stated he would welcome a corruption investigation into the organization, regardless of who initiates it.

This comes after Senegal’s government called for scrutiny last month, when CAF’s appeals board stripped the Teranga Lions of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco. The decision stemmed from Senegal players walking off the pitch in protest during the Rabat final on January 18, leading to a forfeiture ruling despite their eventual 1-0 win after extra time.

Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Motsepe reiterated that CAF will respect the final verdict. ‘I welcome any investigation… We will give you all the co-operation. In fact, I encourage you,’ he said during a news conference in Dakar on Wednesday after meeting Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and football officials.

Motsepe, who describes corruption as ‘worse than Covid and cancer,’ vowed zero tolerance and immediate action. He noted past interventions and stressed the need for strong laws to set a good example for African youth.

The controversy has eroded confidence in CAF, contributing to general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba’s resignation on March 29. Motsepe also addressed the detention of 18 Senegal fans in Morocco over final disturbances, noting discussions at diplomatic levels.

On Thursday, he proceeded to Morocco for meetings with federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa and officials, followed by another press conference.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)