Speaking at a press conference in Rabat on Thursday, Motsepe expressed disappointment over the AFCON 2025 final incident, in which Senegal was stripped of the title and Morocco was awarded the trophy. “I am extremely disappointed by what happened during the AFCON final,” he said.
While acknowledging that CAF’s current rules are based on world-class FIFA standards, Motsepe insisted that changes are necessary to ensure fairness, accountability, and proportionality in disciplinary matters across the continent.
Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s strong support for Morocco, saying, “We are here to support the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, King Mohammed VI, and the government of Morocco.” He praised the leadership of FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and emphasized that football must unite Africa rather than divide it.
His remarks came during a regional tour following a visit to Senegal, aimed at healing divisions caused by the final controversy. “Football should bring us together on the continent,” Motsepe added, while also expressing the commitment of CAF’s 54 member associations to work closely with Morocco’s football authorities.
The CAF chief confirmed that amendments to CAF statutes and regulations are underway to improve governance, financial management, and the consistency of penalties. “We are making changes to the statutes and regulations of CAF to ensure that there is a reduction in the financial situation in Africa to improve the global economy in these countries,” he said.
Motsepe spotlighted that rules must be respected and that committees must reflect CAF’s determination to make African football globally competitive. “There must be ownership, and we must ensure that the rules reflect our determination to make African football respected,” he concluded.