Motsepe refuses to talk about AFCON mess
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 29.03.26. | 18:57
CAF President put the ball into CAS's court, waiting for their decision
‘The AFCON winner part 2’ saga is ongoing and we are not any closer to a solution. After the shocking decision of Confederation of African Football Appeal Board, which stripped Senegal off their AFCON title and gave it to Morocco, the Teranga Lions appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) and in the meantime, refused to give the trophy to Morocco. They even displayed it before the friendly game with Peru in Paris on Saturday even though Morocco threatened to sue them. And now, CAF president Patrice Motsepe, whose appeal board started the whole chaos is not giving any new information but is simply moving the ball into CAS court.
Mosepe held a press conference on Sunday in order to clarify the whole mess surround the CAF’s decision but in reality, he didn’t offer any explanations.
"We are very clear. We must follow the rules of CAF and FIFA. We gave the money and the trophy to Senegal! Morocco won on appeal, but we will not comment on the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Whatever the CAS decision, we will respect it" he said.
The matter was not discussed in depth at CAF meeting, according to several sources. Discussions focused primarily on the departure of the CAF Secretary General and the arrangements for his replacement. Furthermore, the Senegalese Football Federation has still not received the detailed reasoning of the Appeals Panel, a crucial element for analyzing the decision and preparing its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Motsepe also said that his opinion of appeal board’s decision is not relevant.
"I was a little surprised, because the media said I approved the appeals jury's decision. I respect it. Whether I agree with it or not, whether I like it or not, is irrelevant. I respect the decision and I have to implement it. That's how institutions work around the world. Respect for the integrity and impartiality of our arbitration bodies is crucial. It's non-negotiable. Again, my personal opinion is irrelevant" emphasizes Motsepe.