Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), touched down in Dakar late Tuesday, landing at Blaise Diagne International Airport. His visit follows a decision that sparked widespread outrage in Senegal: the stripping of the CAN 2025 title from the Teranga Lions, despite their 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco in the final on the pitch. The controversial ruling came after a chaotic match in Rabat, where Senegalese players briefly walked off the field in protest of what they deemed an unjust referee decision.

Motsepe had previously announced plans to visit both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the need for unity in African football development. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). According to a CAF statement, Motsepe’s itinerary includes a visit to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade, before meeting with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and holding a press conference at 17:30 local time in Dakar.

Senegal’s government demands transparency

The CAF president’s arrival comes amid escalating tensions in Senegal, where the decision to award the title to Morocco has been met with fierce criticism. The final match was marred by controversy when Senegalese players protested a late penalty call, leading to a 15-minute walkout. Despite Morocco missing the penalty in regulation time, Senegal scored in extra time. However, the CAF Appeals Jury later ruled Senegal had forfeited the final, handing Morocco a 3-0 victory based on Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament’s regulations.

The Senegalese Football Federation received the decision three weeks after its issuance and has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), though no timeline has been set for a ruling. The CAF’s decision triggered a wave of outrage in Senegal, with the government calling for an international investigation into alleged corruption within the organization. Motsepe has denied any preferential treatment, asserting the independence of CAF’s disciplinary bodies.