Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – Morocco’s recognition as 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions has been framed as a victory for regulatory integrity, with the Confederation of African Football standing firmly behind the processes that led to the decision.
CAF confirmed earlier this week that Morocco would be awarded the title despite their 1-0 defeat in the original final, a move rooted in the application of competition rules rather than on-field outcomes. While Senegal are preparing a challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has underlined that the decision reflects the strength and independence of the organisation’s judicial system.
“We will still have to deal with the perceptions and the concerns about the integrity [of CAF],” Motsepe admitted.
“It’s an ongoing issue. We are very clear at CAF that we are committed to ensuring that not only in terms of what we do because we have implemented best practices.”
Motsepe pointed out that the outcome itself highlights the autonomy of CAF’s legal structures, where separate bodies are empowered to reach their own conclusions.
“Partly, the independence is reflected by the decisions that were taken by the two bodies. The CAF disciplinary board took one decision while the CAF appeals board took a totally different position. I am told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important.”
From Morocco’s perspective, the ruling underscores a commitment to ensuring that regulations are upheld consistently across African football. Advisor in the FRMF president’s office, Omar Khyari, stressed that their case was never about disputing performances on the pitch.
“Our approach was not intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams involved,” Khyari said, “but solely to request the application of the competition regulations.”
He added that Morocco remains focused on protecting the integrity of the competition framework going forward.
“We remain committed to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining the stability of African competitions.”
Even as Senegal move to escalate the matter, CAF has reiterated that every member association has the right to seek further recourse, reinforcing the principle of fairness across the board.
“Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue and advance its interests… at the highest body, which is CAS, and we will adhere to and respect the decision that is taken at the highest level,” Motsepe said.
“A critical factor is that not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner that is more preferential or more favourable than any other country.”
Khyari also acknowledged the broader significance of the tournament, praising all participating nations for contributing to what he described as a landmark AFCON edition, one that, despite ongoing debate, reflects the evolving strength of governance and accountability in African football.
