The controversial decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title has ignited a firestorm of criticism across African football, and now a prominent Senegalese coach has added fuel to the flames. Lamine Ndiaye, currently managing USM Alger, has delivered a blistering critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its president, Patrice Motsepe, questioning the integrity of the organization’s leadership and decision-making processes.
Ndiaye voiced his strong objections during a press conference held ahead of USM Alger’s quarterfinal match against Maniema Union. The former TP Mazembe manager didn’t mince words, describing the CAF’s current state as “ridiculous” and “desolating” for African football. He lamented a perceived decline in standards since the long tenure of Issa Hayatou, who led CAF for nearly three decades.
“Everyone knows it. Since Issa Hayatou is no longer there, CAF is just…anything goes. Ridiculous, simply. Honestly, there are no words. It’s disheartening. We Africans don’t deserve this. People should respect us more,” Ndiaye stated, as reported by multiple sources. He further pointed to a shift in CAF’s operational practices, noting that meetings are no longer consistently held at its headquarters in Cairo, a detail he believes is highly symbolic.
The core of Ndiaye’s complaint centers on the decision to award the CAN 2025 title to Morocco, a move that bypassed Senegal, who initially believed they had won the competition. While details surrounding the specific ruling remain complex, Ndiaye’s broader accusation is that CAF has lost credibility and consistency in its management of African football competitions. He specifically cited the period following Ahmad Ahmad’s assumption of the CAF presidency in 2017 as the beginning of the organization’s downward spiral, a period marked by institutional controversies.
“Since Ahmad replaced Hayatou, that’s when the problems started. It’s a stupid decision, I hope the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) will rectify the situation,” Ndiaye declared. This reference to TAS suggests a belief that legal recourse may be the only path to resolving the dispute and restoring fairness to the competition.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has responded to the growing controversy, encouraging Senegal to appeal the decision while simultaneously defending the integrity of the CAF Appeal Board. According to a statement released on March 18, 2026, Motsepe emphasized the “impartiality” of the legal body responsible for the ruling. A full interview with Motsepe was released by CAF addressing the situation.
But, Ndiaye’s comments represent a particularly scathing indictment from within the African football community. His stature as a respected coach, having managed prominent clubs like TP Mazembe, lends significant weight to his criticism. The situation highlights a deeper concern about governance and transparency within CAF, issues that have plagued the organization for years. The move of meetings away from Cairo, as Ndiaye pointed out, is seen by some as a sign of a disconnect from the heart of African football.
The controversy surrounding the CAN 2025 decision isn’t happening in a vacuum. It follows a history of disputes and allegations of mismanagement within CAF. Issa Hayatou’s long reign, while bringing stability to the organization, was also marked by accusations of corruption and a lack of transparency. Ahmad Ahmad’s tenure, which began in 2017, was similarly fraught with controversy, including allegations of financial impropriety. Reports from TV5Monde detail the ongoing fallout from the decision and Motsepe’s defense of the CAF’s integrity.
The implications of this dispute extend beyond the immediate outcome of the CAN 2025 tournament. It raises fundamental questions about the future of African football governance and the need for greater accountability and transparency within CAF. The call for the Court of Arbitration for Sport to intervene underscores the lack of confidence in the current system. The situation also casts a shadow over the broader development of the sport on the continent, potentially discouraging investment and hindering the growth of talent.
As USM Alger prepares for its upcoming match, the controversy surrounding the CAN 2025 decision will undoubtedly continue to dominate discussions within the African football community. The weight of Ndiaye’s statement, and the potential for further action through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, will be closely watched by fans, players, and officials across the continent. The next step in this unfolding saga remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of African football governance is at a critical juncture.
The CAF has not yet released a detailed response to Ndiaye’s specific criticisms. Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
Related reading
