Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), arrived in Dakar on Wednesday morning. He was welcomed by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), in the early hours of the day.

According to an official CAF statement, Motsepe’s visit includes a symbolic stop at Gorée Island before meeting with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The CAF leader will hold a press conference at 5:30 PM local time to address sensitive issues in African football, including the disputed CAN 2025 title awarded to Morocco.

a visit aimed at easing tensions

Motsepe announced at the end of March that he would travel to both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the need to “work together to develop African football”. His visit follows criticism of the CAF’s decision to revoke Senegal’s title—earned on the field—after a controversial appeal process. The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a decision expected in the coming months.

diplomatic tensions and calls for transparency

On March 18, the Senegalese government called for an international investigation into alleged “corruption within the governing bodies” of the CAF. In response, Motsepe assured that no African nation received preferential treatment, highlighting the independence of the CAF’s disciplinary bodies.

Motsepe’s visit comes at a critical moment for African football, as the continent’s football governing body faces growing scrutiny over its decision-making processes and governance.