CAF President's Meeting in Rabat
In a significant development following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), held an official meeting with Fawzi Lekjaâ, the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, in Rabat. This important gathering took place at the esteemed Mohammed VI Football Academy and was attended by notable figures including CAF's First Vice-President, Fawzi Lekjaâ, and Acting Secretary General, Samson Adamo. During this meeting, Motsepe took the opportunity to reaffirm CAF's unwavering commitment to its regulations, emphasizing the necessity of awaiting a final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He stated, "We must respect any decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to settle the final dispute regarding 2025," underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity and reputation of the 54 member associations.
Commitment to Integrity and Future Amendments
Motsepe further cautioned against unfounded allegations, asserting that CAF is dedicated to rectifying any misinformation that may arise. He elaborated on the true identity of the African champion, recalling the presentation of the trophy to Koulibaly after the player's unexpected departure from Libya. Additionally, he mentioned that Aliou Cissé is poised to take charge of a new African national team. Reflecting on the AFCON final, Motsepe expressed his disappointment regarding the event, stating, "It is a huge disappointment, and we are currently preparing comprehensive amendments to the competition’s laws and regulations." He indicated that CAF is actively working on revising several articles within the competition regulations to avert any similar irregularities in the future. Furthermore, he highlighted that forthcoming sanctions would be more stringent, aimed at preserving the credibility of African football and ensuring compliance while protecting the sport’s reputation both domestically and internationally.
In a positive note, Motsepe lauded Morocco’s exceptional organization of the tournament, branding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as “the most successful edition in the competition’s history, despite the challenges during the final.” He praised the quality of every aspect of the event, stating, "Every aspect—the hotels, the stadiums, and every detail—was of the highest standard, so I consider it an exceptionally successful edition." For more in-depth coverage, visit goal.com.