Latest News
Romain Molina Alleges Behind-the-Scenes Influence Over CAF Appeals Process
Investigative journalist Romain Molina has reignited debate over transparency in African football administration, alleging behind-the-scenes interference in a contentious case involving Morocco and Senegal.
In a detailed account, Molina insisted that Morocco was adversely affected at a critical stage of the process, maintaining that his position is based on information he believes reflects what transpired internally.
“I’m telling you, in the first instance, there was interference against Morocco—I’m telling you, I’ll sign off on it, and I stand by it,” he said.
“Right now, I’m going with a ‘Pro-Morocco’ narrative… but I’m sticking to the narrative of what actually happened behind the scenes.”
The claims centre on proceedings within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), particularly its appeals structure, which Molina suggested was subject to pressure from multiple directions.
“At that specific moment, they went against Morocco,” he stated.
“So, naturally, there’s interference coming from all sides regarding the appeals committee.”
Molina further pointed to an alleged internal warning raised prior to the ruling, involving Augustin Senghor, a CAF Executive Committee member. According to Molina, Senghor had contacted CAF President Patrice Motsepe over reports of a clandestine meeting linked to the case.
“He writes to Motsepe before the judgment, saying he heard by chance about a secret meeting that was going to dismiss Senegal in favor of Morocco,” Molina claimed.
“He says, ‘I hope it’s fake news, what’s happening isn’t normal.’”
While raising concerns about whether CAF leadership had prior knowledge of such claims, Molina also questioned why the alleged communication has not been publicly addressed.
“Motsepe cannot publicly say he knows nothing when an Executive Committee member is warning him,” he argued.
“If you know there are secret meetings going on, why don’t you just come out and say it?”
He added that the situation could leave affected parties feeling undermined.
“Put yourself in the shoes of the Moroccan officials… you’re standing there thinking, ‘We’ve been played.’”
The allegations, which have not been independently verified, are likely to intensify scrutiny of CAF’s governance processes and calls for greater openness in handling appeals and disciplinary matters.
CAF and the officials named are yet to issue any formal response to the claims.
