CAF president defends controversial call to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup title
The president of African soccer’s governing body has defended its integrity and impartiality after Senegal’s government called for an international investigation into “suspected corruption” at the organization after it stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title. Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, sought Wednesday to explain the decision made by its appeals board on Tuesday that ruled Senegal had forfeited the final in January by walking off the field, turning its 1-0 win in extra time into a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco. “The CAF disciplinary board took one decision.
The CAF appeals board took a totally different position. And I’m told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important,” Motsepe said in a video published on the CAF website . “We will adhere and respect the decision that’s taken at the highest level.
” Motsepe said that CAF’s disciplinary and appeals board members are chosen from names proposed by each of its 54 member associations. “If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent,” he said. “These are people who have integrity and have a track record.
... the independence is reflected by the decisions that were taken by the two bodies. ” Contrasting decisions In January, CAF’s disciplinary board imposed fines of more than $1 million against the Senegalese and Moroccan federations together.
It issued suspensions against the Senegal coach and several players. But it did not interfere with the outcome of the final. CAF’s appeals board on Tuesday ruled that Senegal forfeited the Jan.