President of CAF Motsepe visits Dakar, backs Senegal football leadership, admits CAF decisions lack credibility after controversial AFCON title ruling.
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, on Wednesday visited Dakar, Senegal, in a move aimed at reinforcing support for the country’s football leadership following recent controversies surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations.
Motsepe, who met with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, said his visit was intended to demonstrate solidarity with Senegalese football authorities, but stopped short of directly addressing the contentious CAF decision that stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup title last month.
The decision, which has sparked widespread debate across the continent, followed a chaotic final in January during which Senegalese players staged a walkout, raising questions about officiating and governance in African football.
Speaking during his visit, Motsepe acknowledged growing concerns over the credibility of decisions taken by referees and CAF’s judicial bodies.
“Some of those decisions do not enjoy the respect and credibility which is very important to us,” he said.
President Faye, who has been a vocal supporter of the national team amid the fallout from the disputed final, held talks with the CAF president as part of efforts to address tensions and restore confidence in African football administration.
The visit comes as CAF faces mounting scrutiny over its decision-making processes, with calls from stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the game across the continent.