In Dakar, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, issued a solemn call for zero tolerance against corruption, describing this scourge as “worse than cancer.” In response to concerns raised by Senegal following the decision regarding the 2025 AFCON final, he fully supports any investigation, whether initiated by a government or another body.
During a press conference on Wednesday, after a meeting with Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Motsepe reaffirmed his unwavering commitment. “I encourage any form of investigation, whether it comes from a government or anyone else,” he stated, promising CAF’s full support for such initiatives. Any proven corruption will be relentlessly “fought,” he insisted, emphasizing the organization’s duty to “the people of Africa.”
A fight without borders
Motsepe broadened the issue far beyond football. “Corruption is worse than cancer. We must have zero tolerance in football, in business, in politics, in every sector,” he declared. He refuses to set a bad example for young people: “We cannot make them believe that to succeed, you have to be corrupt.” This strong stance comes amid a tense context, marked by Senegal’s request for an investigation into potential irregularities linked to the awarding of the 2025 AFCON final.
An influential South African businessman and the first South African to lead CAF since 2021, Motsepe is spearheading a deep reform of the institution, long affected by past governance and financial transparency scandals. Under his presidency, CAF has achieved commercial successes, such as AFCON 2023, while strengthening ties with African heads of state. He is calling to “completely eradicate” corruption through “concrete measures,” making the anti-corruption fight a “gift” to African football. This stance paves the way for a new era of greater transparency, serving a more ethical and prosperous continental sport.