CAF president Patrice Motsepe meets Senegalese officials after controversial CAN 2025 decision
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arrives in Dakar today for an official visit just weeks after the controversial decision to strip Senegal of its CAN 2025 title in favor of Morocco
According to a CAF statement, Motsepe will first visit Gorée Island before meeting with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye this evening. A press conference is scheduled for 5:30 PM local time where he will address several sensitive topics affecting African football, including the CAN 2025 title reassignment.
A diplomatic mission to ease tensions
Motsepe announced in late March that he would travel to both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the importance of «working together to develop African football», following intense criticism of his organization’s handling of the CAN 2025 controversy. The Senegalese Football Federation has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a ruling expected in the coming months.
Context of the visit
The CAF president’s visit comes amid heightened tensions. On March 18, the Senegalese government called for an international investigation into «suspicions of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies». Motsepe previously responded by assuring that no African nation receives preferential treatment and praised the independence of disciplinary bodies.
- The decision to award the 2025 CAN title to Morocco instead of Senegal has sparked widespread outrage in Senegal
- The Senegalese Football Federation has filed an appeal with the CAS
- Motsepe’s visit includes meetings with both Senegalese football and government officials
