The Confederation of African Football (CAF), says it has taken steps to address the “deficiencies” that contributed to the chaotic ending of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco, according to its president Patrice Motsepe.
Recall that Senegal were initially declared the winners after a 1-0 victory after extra time, but were later stripped of the title by a Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal board in March, with the trophy instead awarded to the hosts.
The sanction followed Senegal’s walk-off in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review in second-half injury time, with the match still goalless at that point.
The final also saw security incidents inside the stadium, while Morocco faced accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct over so-called ‘towelgate’, involving repeated interference with the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel by ball boys and other personnel.
“We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and the trust amongst the football community of our referees and of our VAR,” Motsepe told BBC Sport Africa.
“But there are still these challenges, and we’ve recognised what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.
“We’ve introduced new laws, new regulations which will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
The Senegalese Football Federation described the ruling as a “robbery” and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Motsepe has since undertaken engagements in Senegal and Morocco as part of efforts to rebuild trust, while CAF waits for a final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“We are waiting for the judgment of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and African football is continuing to grow and develop,” said the 64-year-old, who was re-elected unopposed for a second term in March last year.
“Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement.”
Motsepe also addressed preparations for future tournaments, including AFCON 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
While recent inspection reports highlighted delays in infrastructure projects, he maintained confidence that the tournament will proceed successfully.
“Are there areas where there’s room for improvement? Absolutely,” Motsepe said.
“But the commitment, the support from President Ruto (of Kenya), from Madam [President] Samia [Suluhu Hassan] in Tanzania, from President Museveni (of Uganda) is enormous.
“We’ve got people from Caf who are permanently based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and they are working every day on the preparations and making sure that the AFCON, which is going to take place in June 2027, is going to be successful.”
In Kenya, preparations are taking place alongside internal disputes within the Football Kenya Federation, with world governing body Fifa and Caf seeking clarification over the situation.
“I’m confident that we will resolve those issues in a manner that complies with the Caf and Fifa statutes and regulations,” he said.
(BBC)
