Corruption: From Morocco, Patrice Motsepe openly defies Senegal

Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football CAF, denied corruption allegations made by the Senegalese government following the withdrawal of their team's African champion title in favor of Morocco. Mr. Motsepe, speaking at a press conference in Salé, near Rabat, welcomed and encouraged anyone to take legal action regarding corruption claims, stating there is nothing to hide and calling the accusations false and baseless. The Senegalese government on March 18 called for an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF's governing bodies after CAF's appeal jury declared the Senegalese team forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. While Morocco welcomed the decision, Senegal contested it and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. Mr. Motsepe stated that issues related to the final are behind them as the judgment is ongoing, and CAF will respect and apply the CAS decision. He also affirmed respect for Morocco's judicial sovereignty concerning 18 Senegalese supporters sentenced for hooliganism during the chaotic CAN-2025 final, with their appeal hearing set for April 13. The final on January 18 in Rabat saw the referee award Morocco a penalty after VAR consultation, shortly after disallowing a goal for Senegal. This decision led to several Senegalese players leaving the field, causing chaos. Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch and threw projectiles. Players eventually returned, Moroccan forwa