These extensive remarks came in a special interview broadcast by the Senegalese website "Seneweb," where Faye revealed sensitive behind-the-scenes details that accompanied preparations for the historic final between the Senegalese and Moroccan Lions last Sunday, which ended with Morocco's victory.
Pulling the Strings: Accusations of Control and Vast Influence
Faye was blunt and sharp in his talk, stating: "Morocco controls CAF and decides everything. They hold all the strings within the African Confederation." The Senegalese FA president attributed the silence of many continental federations to this alleged influence, considering that the body of Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Federation, possesses a power that makes others avoid direct confrontation with it.
From Accommodation to Training: Details of "Deliberate Obstacles"
Faye did not confine himself to general talk; he moved on to recount precise details describing the ordeal of the Senegalese delegation before the final, speaking about:
Unsuitable accommodation conditions and security shortcomings.
-Major difficulties in the process of obtaining tickets and organizing transportation for fans and the official delegation.
-Disturbing attempts, according to his description, to force the Senegalese team to hold its final training session at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the private camp and modern facility of the Moroccan national team.
-Commenting on the training point, Faye said: "They wanted to force us to train at the Mohammed VI Complex. But if you train there, your team is completely exposed, and everything is under surveillance." He considered this a violation of the core principle of equal opportunity before a decisive final.
-He added that these pressures pushed him to threaten issuing an official statement and holding a press conference, which prompted – according to his account – an urgent personal call from Fouzi Lekjaa himself, who pledged during it to solve all problems, from tickets to an alternative training venue.
The Refereeing File: A "Blatant Violation" of CAF Regulations
One of the most serious points Faye addressed was the refereeing file for the final. He accused the African Confederation of a significant and unjustified delay in announcing the match referee, thereby depriving his team of its legal right to object within the specified deadlines. Faye said: "The law is clear and sets specific deadlines for objecting to a referee, but we were only notified of the name the night before the final at ten o'clock," describing this as a blatant violation of the regulations.
African Silence: Hints at Previous "Victims"
In an indication that deepens the scale of the accusations, Faye did not limit the problem to his country's experience alone. He pointed out that other African federations faced similar difficulties on previous occasions but chose to remain silent for fear of confrontation. He explained, saying: "No country has ever opposed Morocco like this because they have the vice-president of CAF and they have great capabilities. Many countries do not dare to stand against their will."
After the Storm: Questions Seeking Answers
These fiery statements open a wide door for questions regarding:
The extent of the independence and decisions of CAF under president Patrice Motsepe. Are they truly under external influence?
The credibility of fair sports competition in the continent's biggest tournament if these practices – according to the Senegalese narrative – are true.
The reaction of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the official CAF response to these direct accusations. Will they remain without investigation or explanation?
While Moroccan streets celebrate a new continental title, the words of the Senegalese FA president cast heavy shadows over the behind-the-scenes that preceded the historic moment, reminding us that in the world's most popular sport, winning on the pitch is sometimes only part of the battle.
AFCON 2026 in Morocco – Did the Conspiracy Succeed or Did Sporting Justice Prevail?
Amid renewed discussions about the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco, rumors and speculations resurface regarding a relationship of influence and alleged collusion between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa, who also heads the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. As preparations for the upcoming edition progress, the question arises: Does this relationship represent a natural administrative alliance, or is it an evolution of what has been rumored as a "plot" to gain non-sporting advantages?
These suspicions are based on past events and accusations, particularly what occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between the Moroccan and Senegalese national teams. Multiple parties, led by the Senegalese Football Federation, accused match officials of receiving directives to apply biased standards in favor of the Moroccan team. These accusations suggest that such coordination was behind the numerous refereeing errors during the final, including the awarding of a dubious penalty to Morocco (which was subsequently missed) and the disallowance of a clear Senegalese goal without a convincing reason.
These scenes, which unfolded before the eyes of CAF President Motsepe and his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino, made the final one of the most controversial matches in the tournament's history. Yet, the paradox witnessed by many was that "divine justice," as some described it, ultimately prevailed. Despite all the ambiguous atmosphere and contentious circumstances, the Senegalese team managed to score a clean and decisive goal, winning 1–0 in a dramatic moment that reflected the triumph of genuine sporting spirit and willpower over any backroom dealings.
This indelible memory now casts its shadow over the preparations for the 2026 edition. It poses a significant challenge to the tournament organizers to demonstrate its integrity and independence, ensuring fair and transparent competition, free from any suspicions or non-sporting influence. The upcoming tournament will be a true test for the reputation of African football and its ability to deliver a clean competition that celebrates the beauty of the game without external interference.