‘No One Can Buy Motsepe’: CAF Defends Motsepe Amid Senegal AFCON 2025 Corruption Allegations
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong rebuttal to corruption allegations following the controversial decision to strip Senegal of hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegalese government had called for an investigation, indirectly raising suspicions about CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
Speaking on behalf of the CAF leadership, Luxolo September, the body’s TV and media manager, dismissed the claims outright.
‘No one can buy Motsepe,’ he said.
‘People have this lazy stereotype that Africans are corrupt. When we say that Motsepe is ‘bought’, I ask: by whom? for how much? It’s laughable.’
September pointed to Motsepe’s financial independence as proof of his integrity. With an estimated fortune of $3.4 billion, Motsepe is among Africa’s wealthiest figures.
He has reportedly never received a salary from CAF or FIFA since taking office, and even injected $10 million of his personal funds into the organization.
‘He pays for his own travel and accommodation. He never took a penny. So why would anyone try to buy him, and at what price?’ September insisted.
Despite the defence, the controversy highlights a wider credibility crisis within CAF. The decision to withdraw AFCON 2025 from Senegal has shaken confidence in the body.
