Africa-Press – Uganda. The X account associated with Confederation of African Football (Caf) President Patrice Motsepe appeared suspended on Wednesday, in the midst of escalating backlash following the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 ruling.
A check on the handle @PatriceMotsepe returned a standard suspension notice from X, indicating the account had been restricted for violating platform rules.
It was not immediately clear whether the suspension is temporary or permanent, and neither Caf nor X had issued an official statement by press time.
The development comes as Motsepe issued his first public response to the verdict delivered by Caf’s independent Appeals Committee, which confirmed Morocco as the new Afcon 2025 champions.
In a video statement, Motsepe emphasised respect for the decision of the Appeals body, stressing that the process remains independent of Caf’s executive leadership. His remarks come amid growing anger across the football world over the ruling.
The controversy stems from Caf’s decision to strip Senegal of the title and award a 3–0 victory to Morocco following chaotic scenes during the final in Rabat.
The Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal had effectively abandoned the match after protesting a late penalty decision by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.
Caf cited its regulations under Rules 82 and 84, which provide for a 3–0 loss in cases where a team abandons a match. However, critics argue the decision contradicts Law 5 of the Laws of the Game, which gives referees final authority over decisions on the field.
During the match, Ndala awarded a 98th-minute penalty to Morocco but did not end the game despite protests and a temporary walk-off by Senegal players.
The penalty was missed by Morocco forward Brahim Díaz, before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored what proved to be the decisive goal in extra time.
The Government of Senegal has since called for an independent international investigation into what it described as “suspected corruption” within Caf, labelling the decision “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence,” the government said in a statement issued on March 18, 2026, adding that it would pursue legal redress in international courts.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané also condemned the ruling, saying it undermines the integrity of African football.
“What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for,” Mané said, adding that off-field decisions are increasingly determining outcomes that should be decided on the pitch.
Political pressure has also mounted, with South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters condemning the decision and calling for the original match result to stand.
The ruling has triggered widespread debate about governance, transparency, and the credibility of African football institutions, with Caf now facing one of the most intense crises in its recent history.
Online, the backlash has extended to social media platforms, where users have mobilised campaigns targeting football officials, including Motsepe. It remains unclear whether such activity played any role in the suspension of the account bearing his name.
As the fallout continues, Senegal has signalled its intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and administrative battle over one of the most contentious rulings in Afcon history.
