Decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title must be respected, says CAF boss Dr. Patrice Motsepe

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has defended the independence of the organization’s disciplinary bodies amid the backlash over Senegal being stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

In a video released by CAF on Wednesday, Motsepe emphasized the importance of respecting the decisions of the Disciplinary and Appeals Boards.

“It is important that the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board are viewed with respect and integrity," he said.

"If you look at the composition of those bodies, they ​reflect some of the most ​respected lawyers and judges ⁠on the continent.

“But we will still have to deal with this perception and concerns about the integrity. It's an ongoing issue.”

The controversy stems from Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the January final, a match that saw the Senegalese team stage a 17-minute walk-off in protest of a late penalty awarded to the hosts. CAF later cited breaches of its disciplinary code in reversing the outcome.

Motsepe acknowledged that the decision has generated intense debate and criticism, but he maintained that the independence and expertise of CAF’s disciplinary bodies uphold the highest legal standards in African football.

He also conceded that rebuilding public trust will be a continuing challenge.

Senegal has announced plans to appeal CAF’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the coming days.