President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has defended the decision to strip Senegal of its AFCON title, citing the independence of CAF’s judicial bodies.

The Senegal national football team had initially beaten Morocco 1–0 in the final, but CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the result, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Morocco national football team.

Motsepe said the differing rulings by the disciplinary and appeals boards reflect due process, adding that Senegal has the right to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

While Senegal has called for an independent investigation, Motsepe insisted CAF would respect any final ruling and ensure fairness, transparency, and equal treatment for all member nations.