Motsepe respects CAF sanctions, convenes meeting to review regulations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has talked for the first time following the decision by the Disciplinary Committee to impose sanctions on Senegal, and Morocco after the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The final of the 2025 edition was marred with controversy in the closing stages after Senegal led by coach Pape Thiaw threatened to abandon protesting the referees’ decision to award the hosts a penalty.

On Thursday, CAF issued sanctions to Senegal, and Morocco, while coach Thiaw was suspended for five matches and fined USD100,000. Meanwhile, two other Senegal players – Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr – were banned for two (2) CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

 

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Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was not spared, as he will serve a two-match suspension with one (1) of these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour.

The statement by CAF supremo Patrice Motsepe;

“I am absolutely determined, as are the CAF Executive Committee (COMEX) and the Presidents of the CAF Member Associations, representing 54 African countries, to preserve and strengthen the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions. I was deeply disappointed by the unacceptable incidents that occurred during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.”

I have taken note of the decision rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Committee, announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and I fully respect all the decisions of our judicial bodies, to which I will strictly comply.

I have convened a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (COMEX), the highest decision-making body of CAF outside of the Annual General Meeting, to review CAF regulations, including the Disciplinary Code.

This review aims to ensure that CAF’s judicial bodies have sufficient powers to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions in cases of serious breaches of the CAF Statutes, Regulations, and Disciplinary Code, as well as for any conduct that seriously damages the reputation, integrity, respect, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions.

‘I am convinced with the additional reforms’

In recent years, we have significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners.

“We are committed to allocating additional financial resources and enhanced technical expertise to ensure the quality, integrity, impartiality, skills, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are comparable to those of the best in the world.

One of the first decisions I made upon assuming the CAF Presidency was to ensure the independence and impartiality of the CAF Referees Committee, composed of members nominated by the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as the most qualified and respected referees on the continent.

“It is essential that African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are perceived, respected, and recognized as impartial, fair, and of world-class caliber.

“I am convinced with the additional reforms and far-reaching measures we are putting in place, African football and CAF competitions will continue to be respected, admired, and among the best in the world.”