Dr Patrice Motsepe is the president of CAF
CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has angrily dismissed suggestions that African football is being influenced or controlled by Europe, describing the claims as “absolute rubbish” and “insulting” following recent changes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar.
The controversy emerged after the Confederation of African Football announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years from 2028, a decision that sparked debate within the football fraternity.
Critics questioned the timing and motive behind the move, with some alleging that European interests were shaping CAF’s decisions.
Motsepe, however, was quick to shut down those claims when confronted by a journalist, making it clear that CAF’s leadership answers only to Africa.
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“Where you are also talking absolutely nonsense, is to say to me that we will run Africa for Europe, that is absolute rubbish, it’s nonsense, you are insulting us,” Motsepe said.
He stressed that CAF’s mandate is firmly rooted in the interests of the continent, insisting that African football administrators remain accountable to Africans alone.
“We run Africa for Africa and our job is to listen to people like yourself,” he added.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns president also pointed to tangible progress made under his leadership, particularly in financial support for Member Associations, as proof that CAF’s policies are Africa-focused.
“When I became President, Member Associations have gone from receiving $150,000 to $400,000. I am confident results of what we are doing will speak for themselves,” Motsepe concluded.
Alongside the AFCON changes, CAF has announced the introduction of the African Nations League, set to begin in 2029 and will be played during the September, October and November international windows, marking what Motsepe describes as a new era for continental football.
Watch the video below:
@ehisfacts Patrice Motsepe – ‘You are insulting us!’ “Where you are also speaking absolute nonsense, is to say to me that we will run Africa for Europe, the CAF President said, “Absolute rubbish, it is nonsense. You are insulting us. We run Africa for Africans#nigeriatiktok#ghanatiktok🇬🇭 ♬ original sound – ehisfacts
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Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
