The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has issued a powerful warning to football officials across the continent, stating that federation presidents involved in financial misconduct could end up behind bars.
Speaking in Johannesburg amid the ongoing financial scandal within the South African Football Association (SAFA), Motsepe made it clear that CAF will not tolerate corruption or the mismanagement of funds meant for football development.
“In several countries, I’ve seen FA presidents imprisoned,” Motsepe said. “My message is clear — bring them before a court and let the legal system decide their fate. Justice must be transparent and fair.”
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The CAF boss underscored the need for clean governance and full accountability, adding that football belongs to the people and must be treated as a national asset.
“We must always be willing to make sacrifices for the growth of the game. I’m closely observing every country. Accountability is non-negotiable,” he added.
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Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to respecting its internal structures — including the Disciplinary Board, Appeals Committee, and global partners like FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) — while calling on national federations to uphold the legal standards of their respective countries.
The SAFA controversy has reignited calls for greater transparency in African football, and CAF’s response signals a shift toward stronger oversight and potential legal consequences for corrupt officials.
