Afcon final ‘deficiencies’ dealt with – MotsepeImage source, ReutersImage caption, The Court of Arbitration for Sport is set to rule on a controversial decision by a Caf appeal board to name Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after stripping Senegal of their titleByCelestine KaroneyBBC Sport Africa, NairobiPublished45 minutes agoThe Confederation of African Football is addressing the “deficiencies” which contributed to the chaotic finale of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, according to the organisation’s president Patrice Motsepe.Senegal were crowned winners on the night, following a 1-0 victory after extra time, but were stripped of the title by a Confederation of African Football (Caf) appeal board in March, with the trophy instead handed to the hosts.
The sanction was applied because the West Africans walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review in second-half injury time, when the game was goalless.
With stadium security also clashing with fans and Morocco accused of unsportsmanlike conduct over so-called ‘towelgate’ – a series of incidents which saw players and ballboys moving the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel – Motsepe says African football’s governing body has taken action.
“We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and the trust amongst the football community of our referees and of our VAR,” the South African told BBC Sport Africa.
“But there are still these challenges and we’ve recognised what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.
“We’ve introduced new laws, new regulations which will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
