CAF President Dismisses Bribery Claims Over AFCON Controversy

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has firmly dismissed allegations of corruption raised by Senegalese authorities following the controversial reversal of the Africa Cup of Nations final result.

The CAF boss made his position clear while addressing journalists, insisting that the organisation operates with transparency and has nothing to conceal.

He challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to pursue legal action, stressing that CAF is prepared to face scrutiny in any competent court.

The dispute stems from CAF’s decision to overturn Senegal’s narrow victory over Morocco in the AFCON final and instead award the win to the North African nation.

The governing body based its ruling on disciplinary regulations after Senegal’s players and officials walked off the pitch late in the game in protest of a penalty decision.

That moment, which involved head coach Pape Thiaw and his squad, has since triggered a major controversy across African football.

Although the awarded penalty was eventually missed by Morocco, CAF still ruled against Senegal, citing misconduct.

Senegal’s football authorities have since escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn CAF’s verdict.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese government has gone a step further by calling for a full investigation into alleged corruption within the football body.

Motsepe, however, expressed confidence in the legal process, stating that CAF will fully respect whatever decision is reached by the arbitration court.

He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to upholding the rules and respecting the sovereignty of all its member nations.

The situation has created tension within African football, with many observers closely watching how the case unfolds at the international level.