Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe stated on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that no African country receives "preferential" treatment. His comments came a day after a CAF disciplinary decision to annul Senegal's 2-1 victory over Morocco in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, played in June 2025, due to the use of an ineligible player by Senegal.
Motsepe praised the "independence" of CAF's judicial bodies, emphasizing that decisions are made without external influence. "Our committees are independent and make decisions based on facts and regulations," he was quoted as saying during a press conference in Cairo, Egypt.
The ruling, which awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit win, has significant implications for Group L of the qualifiers. It propelled Morocco to the top of the group, securing their qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament, while complicating Senegal's path to the finals.
The Senegalese Football Federation has expressed its disappointment with the decision and is reportedly considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The controversy has sparked debate among fans and officials regarding the application of player eligibility rules.
