Questions Raised Regarding CAF President Patrice Motsepes Presence at Bafanas AFCON Games

A Moroccan publication has revealed concerns about the attendance of Caf President Patrice Motsepe at Bafana's Afcon matches.

 As reported by a Moroccan outlet, ongoing concerns have been raised about Motsepe's regular presence at South Africa's matches during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. 

The publication highlights that several observers, including analysts, worry about the potential influence of the 62-year-old's attendance on the decisions made by on-field referees and designated VAR officials during the matches.

“Many of those interested in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and sports analysts noted that the President of Caf (Patrice) Motsepe attends most of the matches of his country’s South African national team, and wondered whether his attendance was intentional,” as stated on Moroccan website  />
“Despite the difference of mobility due to the playing of his team in several stadiums, after his move to San Pedro to face Morocco and from the city of Yamoussoukro to face Cape Verde, which made many followers consider his presence could put strong pressure on the referees at the stadium and the rulers, and therefore, influence their decisions, which may bring the game out of its sports nature,” the report concluded.

Motsepe attended both of Bafana's knockout games last week, first travelling to San Pedro for the team's match against Morocco, and then to Yamoussoukro for the quarter-final clash against Cape Verde. 

However, an African Union official informed Al Arab newspaper that Motsepe's ability to attend matches in different cities is facilitated by his use of a private jet, allowing him to watch multiple games in a single day.

As inquiries persist regarding Motsepe, Bafana Bafana remains concentrated on their pivotal semi-final showdown against Nigeria on Wednesday, February 7, at 7 pm SAT.

Meanwhile, the other knockout match between hosts Ivory Coast and DR Congo is scheduled for the same day at 10 pm SAT.Goal