The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has pledged to respect the final ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport as tensions continue over the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Motsepe made the remarks at a press conference in Rabat after concluding a diplomatic visit to Morocco, where he held talks with key football stakeholders, including Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

‎The visit comes in the wake of CAF’s decision to overturn Senegal’s victory in the AFCON final and award the title to Morocco, a ruling that has since been challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

‎“Whatever the decision of CAS, we will respect it,” Motsepe said, signalling the governing body’s willingness to abide by the outcome of the legal process.

‎The dispute has strained relations between Morocco and Senegal, whose football authorities have called for an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF. Senegal have formally appealed the decision, with the case still pending.

‎Motsepe, who recently visited Dakar, used his tour to promote unity across the continent, urging fans to rally behind their national teams despite the controversy.

“I said to the people of Senegal: support Sadio Mané, support Kalidou Koulibaly, support the national team,” he said. “They represent not only Senegal, but Africa as a whole. That is the same message I am sharing with other nations.”

‎The CAF president’s diplomatic efforts underline the sensitivity of the situation, as African football awaits a decisive verdict that could reshape the outcome of one of its most contentious finals in recent history.

For now, Motsepe’s message remains clear: respect the process, stand by the players, and prioritise unity as the continent navigates the dispute.