In a commendation that echoed the halls of diplomacy, Patrice Motsepe, the esteemed President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), hailed the Moroccan government and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for their commendable composure. During a visit to Morocco on April 9, Motsepe expressed his admiration for the entities’decision to remain silent in the face of provocations from the Senegalese Football Federation. His remarks were a timely response to the escalating tensions following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The AFCON Final, held in Rabat, became a flashpoint for discord when the Senegalese team walked off the pitch to protest a VAR — assisted penalty. Despite the match’s eventual resumption and Senegal’s victory on the field, the result was overturned by CAF, resulting in a 3-0 technical victory for Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation’s (FSF) subsequent appeal, citing officiating bias, only served to heighten the tensions.
Amidst this turmoil, the Moroccan government and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, adopted a policy of silence. They refrained from counter-accusations and media warfare, asserting that the matter was a legal issue to be resolved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Motsepe’s praise underscored their dignified stance.
Motsepe’s trip to Rabat was part of a diplomatic effort aimed at diffusing the ongoing tension. It was a clear signal that CAF stands firmly behind its legal decisions and will not succumb to political pressure. The CAF President’s words serve as a testament to the strength of institutions in the face of adversity, a strength that the Moroccan entities have displayed with remarkable restraint.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Yassir Mazzene
