Motsepe: African football must stand tall, respected and world-class
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity and global standing of African football. Speaking after recent incidents at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Final, Motsepe made it clear that CAF will not compromise on discipline, fairness, or reputation.
“I am deeply disappointed by the unacceptable events that unfolded during the AFCON final,” Motsepe said. “CAF’s Executive Committee and the presidents of our 54 member associations share my determination to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of African football. I respect the ruling of the CAF Disciplinary Board announced on 28 January 2026, and I will fully adhere to it. But this is not enough—we must go further.”
Advertisement
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe emphasises CAF’s uncompromising determination to maintain and advance the integrity, reputation and global competitiveness of African Football and CAF Competitions.
👉🔗 https://t.co/GO0E4rZrbs
🔗 https://t.co/CVPONf9jBk pic.twitter.com/EMZ94rTjqO — CAF Media (@CAF_Media) January 30, 2026
Motsepe confirmed he has called an urgent meeting of CAF’s Executive Committee, the organisation’s highest decision-making body outside the General Assembly, to review regulations and strengthen the Disciplinary Code. The aim, he explained, is to ensure CAF’s judicial structures have the authority to impose strong, deterrent sanctions against conduct that damages the reputation and credibility of African football.
The CAF President also highlighted strides made in officiating. “Over the past few years, we have invested heavily in improving the quality, independence, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners. We will continue to allocate resources to ensure they are as good as the very best in the world. One of my first priorities as CAF President was to make the Referees Committee independent and impartial, with members nominated by our 54 associations alongside Africa’s most respected referees. It is vital that our officials are recognised globally as fair, impartial, and world-class.”
Motsepe closed with a message of confidence and ambition: “With the reforms and measures we are introducing, I am certain African football will continue to earn respect, admiration, and its rightful place among the best in the world.”
Advertisement