CAF President Patrice Motsepe Signals End to CAN 2025 Final Dispute, Defers to TAS

The leadership of African football is attempting to close a chapter that refuses to stay shut. Speaking from Rabat on Thursday, April 9, 2026, CAF President Patrice Motsepe made it clear that he has no intention of reopening the investigation into the controversial final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).

Motsepe, who appeared visibly worn down by the ongoing friction between the tournament’s two finalists, addressed the media at the Complexe Mohammed VI de football. His message was blunt: the time for administrative debate has passed, and the matter now rests entirely with the legal authorities.

The tension stems from a seismic decision made by CAF’s appeals board three weeks ago, which stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded the championship to Morocco. The ruling has sparked a diplomatic and sporting firestorm across the continent, leaving the official status of the trophy in a state of legal limbo.

‘Fatigued and Exhausted’: Motsepe’s Stance in Rabat

During the press conference, Motsepe did not hide his frustration with the relentless scrutiny surrounding the final. He admitted to being “fatigued and exhausted” by the repetitive questioning from the media regarding the events that transpired during the championship match.

Despite the chaos surrounding the title’s ownership, Motsepe remained steadfast in his praise for the event’s execution. He described the CAN 2025 as the most successful in the history of the competition, specifically citing the high standards of security, logistics, transport, hotels, pitches, and medical facilities.

The CAF president also took a moment to highlight the hospitality of the Moroccan people, noting that their warmth and respect were points of personal pride for him during the tournament.

A Diplomatic Balancing Act: From Dakar to Rabat

Motsepe’s appearance in Morocco followed a strategic visit to Senegal. In Dakar, the CAF chief met with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and various officials from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).

According to Motsepe, the objective of the Dakar visit was to reaffirm CAF’s commitment to developing football within Senegal and across the continent. However, the shadow of the final loomed over the meetings. Motsepe acknowledged the “challenges” linked to the final and expressed disappointment that the situation had deteriorated to the point of requiring external legal intervention.

In Rabat, Motsepe mirrored this sentiment, calling for a return to stability and urging all parties to respect the decisions of the governing bodies even as the legal process unfolds.

The Road to the TAS

With the CAF appeals board’s decision to award the title to Morocco already in effect, the battle has moved to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). This international body serves as the final authority for sports disputes, and its ruling will be binding for all member associations.

Motsepe expressed confidence that the decision from the TAS will ultimately “unite” the 54 member associations of CAF. He emphasized that the organization cannot remain paralyzed by a single match when there are world-class competitions to organize and a FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

For the global football community, the TAS ruling will provide the definitive answer on whether Morocco remains the rightful champion or if the title will return to Senegal.

As the sporting world waits for the TAS to deliver its verdict, the atmosphere remains tense. While Motsepe seeks to move the conversation toward the future of African football, the legitimacy of the 2025 crown remains the most contentious issue in the game today.

The next official checkpoint will be the delivery of the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), which will determine the permanent holder of the CAN 2025 trophy.

Do you believe the appeals board made the right call in stripping the title? Let us understand your thoughts in the comments below.