President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has publicly defended the integrity and independence of CAF’s judicial bodies following the storm of controversy surrounding recent decisions linked to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking during CAF’s executive meeting in Cairo, Motsepe acknowledged that while certain rulings may be unpopular, even to him personally, they must still be respected in order to protect the credibility of African football’s governing system.
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“We Must Respect Due Process” – Motsepe
Motsepe emphasized that the autonomy of CAF’s legal structures remains non-negotiable, stating the importance of due process within the organization.
“The CAF Judicial Bodies, the CAF Disciplinary Board and the CAF Appeal Board, their independence and their respect for due process is something that all of us will have to and we are all committed to that.”
The CAF president revealed and admitted that he does not always agree with decisions made by these bodies but insists that his personal views cannot interfere with his responsibilities.
“There may be decisions that are taken by the CAF Judicial Bodies which I, personally, may not be excited about and in fact, which I may not agree with at all as a football spectator but as a president of CAF.”
“I have a duty to make sure that the independence and the integrity and the credibility of our judicial bodies are respected and that’s why we will defend at all times.”
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Defending Integrity Above All – Motsepe Stands Firm
The CAF president reiterated that safeguarding the credibility of CAF’s judicial processes is paramount, regardless of external criticism or internal disagreement.
“The independence and the integrity of the process, the procedure of appointing judges of our judicial bodies and also we will at all times respect the decisions that they take whether I agree or disagree with them is irrelevant.”
“I have to respect and enforce those decisions and the same applies to our referees.”
Motsepe’s response have been anticipated following when CAF’s decisions, particularly on the AFCON 2025 controversy, have drawn intense scrutiny from players, officials, across the continent.
With tensions still high and legal challenges ongoing, CAF’s credibility and the trust of the footballing community may ultimately depend on how these principles are upheld in the weeks and months ahead.
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