Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arrived in Dakar on Wednesday for an official visit. His arrival followed the controversial decision to strip Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title, awarding it to Morocco instead—a move that sparked widespread outrage in Senegal.

According to a CAF statement, Motsepe’s agenda includes a visit to Gorée Island before meeting with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He will hold a press conference at 5:30 PM to address sensitive issues, including the CAN 2025 title controversy.

a visit aimed at easing tensions

Motsepe had previously announced plans to visit both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in developing African football. His visit comes amid intense criticism of the CAF’s decision-making processes following the controversial appeal commission ruling that stripped Senegal of its title in favor of Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a ruling expected in the coming months.

Senegal’s government had demanded an international investigation into alleged corruption within the CAF’s leadership after the decision. In response, Motsepe assured that no African nation received preferential treatment, highlighting the independence of the CAF’s disciplinary bodies.