Patrice Motsepe faces AFCON backlash in Senegal as CAF defends controversial ruling reversal and seeks unity amid rising criticism

CAF President Patrice Motsepe arrived in Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, 2026, for high-level talks with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the Presidential Palace, as the Confederation of African Football confronts growing Motsepe Faces AFCON Backlash over its controversial decision to overturn Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations result.

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The CAF President’s visit comes nearly a month after the organisation’s disputed ruling that reversed Senegal’s 1-0 win over Morocco in the AFCON final on January 18, handing the title to Morocco following disciplinary considerations linked to a walk-off incident during the match in Rabat.

The decision, confirmed on March 17, has triggered widespread criticism across African football circles and prompted an official appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

During the encounter in Morocco, Senegal’s players, alongside head coach Pape Thiaw and his technical team, walked off the pitch after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, which was subsequently missed by Brahim Díaz.

CAF later cited competition regulations in its ruling, escalating tensions between both football associations.

Motsepe, who announced his intention to visit both Senegal and Morocco in late March, said his mission was to promote unity and strengthen collaboration within African football.

However, the Motsepe Faces AFCON Backlash has continued to dominate discussions, with critics questioning CAF’s consistency and governance standards.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Motsepe insisted that he would respect any decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, stating that his personal opinion on the matter was not relevant.

His remarks have done little to ease tensions, as Senegalese officials have also called for broader international scrutiny into the handling of the case.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to receive Motsepe at the Presidential Palace later in the day, followed by a joint press conference that is likely to address the controversy and outline CAF’s position moving forward.

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The visit is being closely watched across the continent, with stakeholders urging swift reforms to restore confidence in African football governance and prevent further escalation of disputes.