Pity Motsipe: The “2025 CAN” file is in the hands of “CAS”… and Morocco maintains its hosting of continental tournaments
Pity Motsipe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), took a firm stance regarding the implications of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, confirming that the legal controversy following the match has completely transferred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, after CAF exhausted all its powers in this file.
Motsipe’s statements come in the wake of extraordinary events that accompanied the tournament’s closing scene, prompting the continental body to act swiftly to redefine the organizational framework. He explained that these events revealed gaps that necessitated a review of the existing regulations, with a push towards tightening controls related to match management and resolving disputes.
Concurrently, his speech carried clear messages regarding Morocco’s position within the landscape of African events, as he confirmed that the Kingdom will retain the hosting rights for the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, in addition to confirming the schedule for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations without any changes.
The CAF president praised Morocco’s growing role in hosting continental competitions, considering that its organizational readiness often makes it the only viable option for hosting major tournaments.
In an attempt to ease the ongoing tension, Motsipe revealed an upcoming tour that will take him to both Rabat and Dakar, aimed at strengthening communication channels with the relevant federations and closely monitoring the developments of the file.
He concluded by emphasizing his full respect for the judicial process, stressing that all parties have the right to resort to the competent authorities to defend their positions within a framework of transparency and adherence to the regulations governing football.
