The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, arrived in Dakar earlier today, April 8, almost a month after the governing body stunned the continent by stripping Senegal of its AFCON title and awarding it to Morocco.
Motsepe confirmed the trip in late March, saying he would visit both countries to stress the need for unity and cooperation as CAF comes under heavy criticism. He is due to meet President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the presidential palace, with a press conference scheduled afterwards.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the visit lands at a tense moment following CAF’s shock decision to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in the Cup of Nations final played on 18 January. On 17 March, CAF ruled the match a 3-0 win for Morocco, citing regulations concerning teams leaving the field of play.
The controversy stems from scenes in Rabat, where Senegalese players, head coach Pape Thiaw and his staff walked off in added time after Morocco were awarded a penalty. Forward Brahim Díaz went on to miss the spot kick, but the fallout has dominated headlines since.
The Senegalese Football Federation has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn the ruling.
Senegal’s government has reacted strongly, calling for an international probe into alleged corruption within African football’s governing structures.
Motsepe addressed the dispute last month, saying he would “respect and implement the CAS decision. My personal opinion regarding the matter is irrelevant”.
