CAF president’s Dakar visit amid CAN 2025 controversy

Nearly a month after the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) controversially stripped Senegal of its CAN 2025 title, awarding it to Morocco instead, Patrice Motsepe, the CAF president, has arrived in Dakar for a high-stakes visit. This unexpected trip follows widespread outrage in Senegal over the decision, which has sparked accusations of injustice and even corruption within African football’s governing body.

The CAN 2025 final, originally won 1-0 by Senegal in extra time, was overturned by the CAF after a chaotic match that saw Senegalese players temporarily walk off the field in protest. The decision, based on articles 82 and 84 of the tournament’s regulations, has left deep divisions in its wake, with the Senegalese government demanding an international investigation into alleged corruption within the CAF.

Motsepe’s agenda in Senegal

Upon his arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport late Tuesday, Patrice Motsepe was greeted by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). His itinerary includes a symbolic visit to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history as a former slave-trading post, before meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the presidential palace.

A press conference is scheduled for 5:30 PM (local and GMT time, 7:30 PM in France) at a Dakar hotel, where Motsepe is expected to address the ongoing controversy. Earlier, he had announced plans to visit both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the need for unity in African football, despite the current tensions.

Government and public reaction in Senegal

The CAF’s decision has unleashed a wave of anger across Senegal. The government issued a statement on March 18, calling for an international probe into what it described as suspicion of corruption within CAF leadership. Motsepe, however, has defended the organization’s integrity, asserting that no country receives preferential treatment and praising the independence of CAF’s disciplinary bodies.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), though no ruling date has been set. Meanwhile, Senegalese players and fans continue to express their frustration, with some describing the situation as unprecedented injustice.

Key events leading to the controversy

• January 2025: Senegal defeats Morocco 1-0 in extra time in the CAN 2025 final, a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions.
• March 17, 2025: The CAF strips Senegal of its title, citing Senegal’s forfeit in the final, and declares Morocco the winner by 3-0 on appeal.
• March 18, 2025: The Senegalese government demands an international investigation into alleged corruption within the CAF.
• April 2025: Patrice Motsepe arrives in Dakar to address the fallout, as Senegal prepares to take its case to the CAS.

As Motsepe navigates this delicate diplomatic mission, the football world watches closely. His visit to Dakar represents a critical moment for the CAF to restore trust and clarity in the aftermath of one of the most contentious decisions in African football history.