CAF President Patrice Motsepe
The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, visited Dakar on Wednesday, nearly a month after the body controversially stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded it to Morocco.
Motsepe, who announced the trip in late March, said his visit to Senegal and Morocco aims to “emphasize the importance of working together to grow African football,” as CAF faces mounting criticism over its handling of the tournament’s final.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to receive Motsepe at the presidential palace later Wednesday, followed by a press conference.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions after CAF’s surprise ruling overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the AFCON final on January 18. CAF cited regulations on leaving the field, officially recording a 3-0 win for Morocco on March 17.
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During the match in Rabat, Senegalese players, head coach Pape Thiaw, and staff walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded an added-time penalty, which forward Brahim Diaz missed.
The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ruling has prompted calls from the Senegalese government for an international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF.
Motsepe, speaking on the matter last month, said he would “respect and implement the CAS decision. My personal opinion regarding the matter is irrelevant.”
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