The President of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe, says the organisation does not treat any country more favourably than other members.

Motsepe led this out while following the CAF Appeals Board’s landmark ruling that overturned Senegal’s 1–0 on-field victory over Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final played in Rabat on January 18. The decision then awarded the AFCON title to the Moroccan national team.

The CAF’s President on Wednesday said the issue surrounding the AFCON final has demonstrated the “independence” of CAF’s judicial bodies.

He added that the divergence between the confederation’s Disciplinary Board and the Appeals Board on the 2025 AFCON final underscored the autonomy of the confederation’s legal organs.

READ MORE: Drama As CAF Overturns Senegal Victory, Declares Morocco AFCON Winners

“The independence [of CAF’s judicial bodies] is reflected in the decisions that were taken by the two bodies,” Motsepe said.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board took one decision. The CAF Appeals board took a totally different position.

“I’m told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important,

“Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue their appeals and advance their interests — not only at the highest level in Africa, in CAF, but also at the highest global body. We will adhere to and respect the decision that is taken there.”

In its ruling on the AFCON final, the CAF Appeals board based its decision on Articles 82 and 84 of CAF regulations, determining that Senegal’s walk-off in protest of a late penalty constituted a forfeiture of the match.

The earlier decision by the Disciplinary Board had allowed the on-field result to stand, while imposing financial sanctions. The Senegalese FA said it has filed an urgent appeal of the verdict before the CAS.