Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has said the body will fully respect and implement the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Senegal’s appeal over the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final.
Speaking at a press conference in Cairo after a CAF executive meeting, Motsepe stressed that his personal views on the matter were irrelevant, noting that the outcome of the legal process would be binding on the organisation.
“I will respect and implement the CAS decision. My personal opinion regarding the matter is irrelevant.”
The appeal stems from CAF’s decision to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in last month’s final and instead award Morocco a 3-0 win following a protest.
The controversy began when Senegal players and officials briefly walked off the pitch in Rabat after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Although play resumed and Senegal went on to score the winner in extra time, the result was later challenged.
Other News
While a CAF disciplinary panel initially issued fines without altering the outcome, Morocco’s successful appeal led to the reversal of the result, prompting Senegal to take the case to CAS.
Motsepe emphasised that CAF’s appeal bodies operate independently, consisting of qualified judges and legal experts, and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to due process.
He also revealed plans to visit both Senegal and Morocco to encourage unity and cooperation, adding that CAF is reviewing its statutes and regulations to prevent a recurrence of the incidents witnessed during the final.
“CAF is implementing changes and improvements to their statutes and regulations that will strengthen trust and confidence in (African) referees, VAR operators and judicial bodies.
“These changes and improvements to the statutes and regulations will also ensure that the incidents that took place at the final… do not happen again,” the statement reads.
In a related development, Motsepe announced that Nigerian-born official Samson Adamu will serve as caretaker general secretary of CAF, replacing Veron Mosengo-Omba, who is retiring after reaching the mandatory age limit.
