Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe visited Senegal on April 8, 2026. He met Senegalese leaders to discuss the controversial reversal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The trip came weeks after CAF stripped Senegal of the championship and awarded it to Morocco.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. Morocco received a stoppage-time penalty. Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest. Coach Pape Thiaw and his staff left with the team. Sadio Mane convinced them to return. Morocco forward Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. Senegal then won the match.
However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed. On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned the result. Officials declared a 3-0 win for Morocco because Senegal violated rules by leaving the field. CAF stripped Senegal of the title.
Senegal appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and awaits the outcome. The Senegalese Football Federation also paraded the trophy publicly to underline its position.
Patrice Motsepe met Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the presidential palace. He also sat down with Abdoulaye Fall, the Senegalese Football Federation president. The talks covered the title dispute as well as infrastructure projects and football development across Africa.
Abdoulaye Fall welcomed the visitor warmly. He said, “Senegal is the land of Teranga. Teranga means hospitality.” Fall added that Motsepe would be received as if in his own country.
Patrice Motsepe stressed the importance of cooperation. He stated earlier that he would “respect and implement the CAS decision” and that “my personal opinion regarding the matter is irrelevant.” The visit aimed to calm tensions and promote dialogue while the legal process continues.
