The meeting of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), held on Friday in Dar es Salaam, was largely dominated by the aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final played in Morocco.
While the potential tightening of the Disciplinary Code was on the agenda, certain statements quickly overshadowed the rest of the discussions.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe said he was “extremely disappointed” by the incidents that marked the final.
He also suggested that the sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee were insufficient, highlighting the need to strengthen the regulatory framework.
The South African leader also did not conceal his dissatisfaction with the officiating of the match, paving the way for particularly sensitive exchanges.
It was in this context that the chairman of the Referees Committee, Olivier Safari Kabene, reportedly made a statement with serious implications.
According to information relayed by specialized media outlets, he acknowledged having issued instructions aimed at preventing the definitive interruption of the match following the temporary withdrawal of Senegalese players.
The regulations, however, provided for immediate sanctions upon their return to the pitch.
It was allegedly decided not to apply those warnings in order to avoid a situation that could have led to the premature termination of the match.
A strict application of the regulations would have placed Senegal at a numerical disadvantage, as several players were already at risk of receiving a booking.
Another troubling element: the head of refereeing reportedly indicated that he had not been fully informed of the appointment of certain referees who officiated during the tournament, despite attending the preparatory meetings prior to the competition’s kickoff.
If confirmed, these statements would raise questions about the internal appointment process and the transparency of decision-making within the continental governing body.