Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, says he would welcome any investigation into alleged corruption within the continental governing body, insisting the organisation has “nothing to hide.”
Motsepe made the remarks on Wednesday in Dakar following high-level talks with Senegalese football authorities and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, amid escalating tensions over the controversial conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal’s government last month called for a formal probe into CAF after the nation was stripped of its AFCON title by the CAF Appeal Board, with the trophy subsequently awarded to Morocco. The decision followed chaotic scenes during the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal had secured a 1-0 victory but temporarily left the pitch in protest over refereeing decisions.
“I would welcome any investigation into corruption at CAF, be it by a government or any institution,” Motsepe told reporters. “In fact, I would encourage it. We will give them our full cooperation.”
The South African businessman acknowledged past governance challenges within African football, but stressed that reforms and accountability are essential for the sport’s credibility.
“We cannot give our children the perception that if you want to succeed in life, be corrupt. There has to be zero tolerance,” he said. “That’s the best gift we can give football in Africa not just talking about corruption, but intervening, putting the necessary laws in place and implementing them.”
Motsepe declined to comment in detail on the ongoing dispute between Senegal and Morocco, noting that the matter is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“There is nothing I can tell you that I haven’t said already 10, 15, 20 times,” he said. “I have an obligation to respect that the matter is now in front of the highest sports court in the world.”
He also dismissed suggestions that Morocco had received preferential treatment during the appeals process.
“Under no circumstances will any single country in Africa be treated more preferentially or more favourably than any other. That will never happen,” Motsepe said.
The CAF president’s visit to Dakar is part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease tensions following the fallout from the final. He is expected to travel to Morocco on Thursday for further discussions with football officials there.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Motsepe expressed confidence that African football would emerge stronger from the crisis.
“We are confident we will come out of these challenges more united among the 54 nations in Africa,” he said.
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