Senegal AFCON title swap: Motsepe disappointed, CAF Appeals Board under fire

The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Appeals Board has been called into question following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title two months after the final whistle.

Morocco was awarded the title after the board found that Senegal broke AFCON regulations by walking off the pitch during the fixture, which took place on 18 January, after Morocco was awarded a contentious penalty. 

RELATED: Stripping Senegal of AFCON title a 'disgrace for Africa' say fans

Speaking for the first time since the decision was published, CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed deep disappointment and warned that the credibility of African football is now under threat.

Senegal has announced its intention to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

RELATED: Senegal to appeal CAF Africa Cup of Nations decision

Lux September, Head of TV and Communications at CAF, explained that the Disciplinary Committee or the Appeals Board are not directly linked to the federation.

He emphasised the importance of due diligence in appointing members to independent bodies and ensuring that they understand the laws and rules of the game.

“The people who sit there don’t work at CAF. They are lawyers. The chairperson of the Appeals Board is a High Court judge from Nigeria. The administration at CAF has nothing to do with this.

“I think the first time he [Motsepe] saw the decision was the first time I saw it myself because he creates this wall, where the Appeals Board sits, he does not want to talk to them. They must make the decision.”

September noted that Motsepe was not against Senegal approaching CAS.

African football carried a great stigma of mistrust, so it was important to see the process through.

“It is in his best interest. There are processes involved, and everyone must exhaust these processes. And the good thing is that people have confidence in these processes,” he said.

To listen to September in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, use the audio player below: