Following the shocking and most bizarre decision ever witnessed this week in the history of African football, let alone in the world, there have been questions and suggestions that the decision-making of CAF president Patrice Motsepe has been compromised.
This week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals board took a bold decision to strip Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco, declaring the nation as the new champions two months later.
Despite not having any say or being involved in any of the CAF judicial bodies, Motsepe has received a lot of backlash regarding how the aftermath of the dramatic 2025 Afcon final was handled under his watch.
Mame Niang, who is a Senegalese international who had a brief stint at Mamelodi Sundowns during Motsepe’s reign as club chairman during the 2014/2015 season, spoke to Sunday World after the controversial CAF statement.
Amongst several matters that the former lanky striker addressed, he weighed in on Motsepe’s presidency at CAF, adding that some of his decisions may be influenced by outside forces, particularly Fifa, the world football governing body.
“Gianni Infantino [Fifa president] is so involved in African football, and I think that is deplorable,” Niang added.
The former PSL top goalscorer added that he was devastated with the decision and supports Senegal’s stance not to hand back the gold medals, trophy and prize money.
“Back home, people are like: ‘If you want the cup, come get it.’ I am glad our federation is appealing the ruling.”
The Senegal Football Federation, with the backing of their government, has since appealed the ruling by CAF and referred the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, the highest sports court in the world.
