Online Reporter
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe says he would “encourage” an investigation into corruption at the organisation.
Senegal’s government last month demanded such scrutiny after the national side was stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title by a Confederation of African Football (Caf) appeals board, with the trophy awarded to final opponents Morocco.
The West Africans are waiting on the outcome of an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Motsepe visited Senegal on Wednesday, meeting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and leading officials from the country’s football federation.
“I welcome any investigation [into corruption at Caf], whether it is by a government or an authority or anybody,” Motsepe said at a news conference in Dakar.
“Because any corruption in Caf we want to know about it and we will take action ourselves, immediately.
“We have a duty to our people in Africa. If any government or institution [wants to], please go ahead, conduct the investigation.
“We will give you all the co-operation. In fact, I encourage you.”
Motsepe would not be drawn on the matter between Senegal and Morocco which is now in front of Cas, and reiterated his previously stated position that he and Caf will respect the court’s verdict when it arrives.
“There is nothing I can tell you that I haven’t said already 10, 15, 20 times,” Motsepe told BBC Afrique.
“You can ask me the same question 100 times, I’ll give you the same answer 100 times.
“That is the duty and obligation the president of Caf has. He has to wait until the decision of Cas, which is the highest decision-making body in football in the world.
“We have to implement that decision.”
Meanwhile, the South African told reporters that the imprisonment of 18 Senegal fans in Morocco following disturbances at the Afcon final was an issue that was being discussed “at diplomatic level”.
On leaving Dakar, Motsepe travelled immediately to Morocco, where he will meet football federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa and government officials on Thursday before holding another news conference. — BBC
