Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has urged member associations across the continent to treat visiting teams with the same respect, hospitality and fairness they would expect for their own sides when travelling for matches.
Motsepe made the call during the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, on Sal Island, Cape Verde, where African football leaders are discussing the development of the game and the continent’s ambitions for future international competitions.
The CAF president’s message stresses the need for improved sportsmanship and a zero-tolerance approach to behaviour that compromises the safety, dignity or fair treatment of visiting teams.
His appeal comes against the backdrop of recent controversies involving away teams at African football competitions, with complaints ranging from security concerns and disputed logistical arrangements to incidents of supporter misconduct.
One prominent example emerged ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and hosts Morocco in January 2026.
readmore: Ekpai’s Slavia mystery: The coach he adored and the exit he never understood
Senegal’s football federation raised concerns about security arrangements when the team arrived in Rabat, the standard of accommodation, training facilities and the number of tickets allocated to its supporters.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the players had been left exposed to a crowd at the railway station without an adequate security escort, describing the situation as a risk to their safety.
The controversy drew attention to the importance of protecting visiting teams during high profile continental fixtures.
CAF, however, disputed the suggestion that Senegal had been denied fair logistical treatment.
In a statement issued on January 17, the governing body said the Senegalese delegation had been given the opportunity to select its hotel and that an alternative training facility had been arranged after the team expressed dissatisfaction with the initial venue.
CAF also maintained that Senegal had received its allocation of tickets in line with competition regulations.
Another incident occurred during the CAF Champions League fixture between Egyptian club Al Ahly and Morocco’s AS FAR in Cairo on February 15, 2026.
CAF condemned what it described as unacceptable incidents and referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board for investigation, calling for appropriate action against those found responsible.
The incidents illustrate different challenges facing African football authorities as they seek to ensure that visiting teams can compete in safe and professionally managed environments.
While complaints about logistics require investigation and responses from organisers, violence and security breaches demand firm action where wrongdoing is established.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Motsepe’s appeal places renewed emphasis on the responsibilities of host associations, clubs, match organisers and supporters.
Beyond providing suitable accommodation and training facilities, host nations must ensure adequate security, orderly movement for visiting delegations and an atmosphere in which players and officials can perform without intimidation.
The issue also has implications for the image of African football internationally. As the continent continues to expand its presence in global competitions, the quality of organisation and the treatment of participating teams remain important measures of its progress.
Pingback: CAF considers U-turn on controversial AFCON’s four-year cycle after backlash - The Athletic NG