The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, paid a high-profile visit to Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday in a bid to reinforce support for the nation’s football authorities amid the ongoing fallout from a controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) decision.
Motsepe met with Senegalese football chief Bassirou Diomaye Faye during the visit, stressing that his trip was meant to show solidarity with local football leadership. However, he did not directly address CAF’s disputed ruling that stripped Senegal of its AFCON title last month—a decision that has ignited widespread debate across the continent.
The controversy stems from the chaotic January final, in which Senegalese players staged a walkout, prompting questions over officiating and governance in African football. During his visit, Motsepe acknowledged concerns over the credibility of certain refereeing and CAF judicial decisions.
“Some of those decisions do not enjoy the respect and credibility which is very important to us,” he said.
President Faye, who has consistently defended the national team, engaged in talks with Motsepe aimed at easing tensions and restoring confidence in African football administration.
The visit comes as CAF faces growing scrutiny over its decision-making processes, with calls from stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in managing football across the continent. The Dakar trip underscores Motsepe’s efforts to reassure member associations while navigating a highly sensitive period in African football.