The president of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Patrice Motsepe, says there is no place for corruption in African football.

Last month, the Senegalese government demanded an investigation into corruption after the ‌country was stripped of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title by the CAF Appeal Board and the trophy was awarded to the final opponents, Morocco.

Motsepe met with officials from the Senegalese Football ⁠Federation and head of state Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Wednesday, where he urged unity following the fallout from the AFCON final. He will be in Morocco on Thursday for a similar set of meetings.

Senegal has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) and Motsepe, addressing Senegal’s demand, assured the continent that CAF is in good hands.

“I welcome any investigation. Whether it’s an investigation by the government, an authority, or anybody,” Motsepe told journalists.

“I welcome and support that. Any corruption in CAF we want to know about, and we will take action ourselves, immediately. We have a duty to our people in Africa. If any government or any institution, please go ahead and conduct the investigations. We will give you the cooperation. In fact, I encourage you.”

He added, “If you know anything, let us know because I can tell you, while I am president of CAF, we will never conceal any corruption. Corruption is worse than COVID-19; it is worse than cancer. It is the biggest problem not just in football. That is the best gift we can give to our football in Africa, and not just talk about corruption, but intervene, put the necessary laws in place and implement them.

“We are confident that we will emerge from these challenges united as 54 African nations, stronger than we have ever been. African football will continue to be globally competitive and respected worldwide; that is a crucial objective of the fundamental changes we are currently introducing at CAF.”