🔴DIRECT - POINT DE PRESSE DU PRESIDENT DE LA CAF PATRICE MOTSEPE

Welcome to the passion of sport. Today we are here at Hotel Pulman for a press conference by the president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, because of Senegal, for the president of the republic, the president of the Football Federation, but unfortunately with the former president of the federation, Master Augustin, who is currently the president. Also, the viewers of Deport TV and

And it's always a pleasure to be here to talk sports, especially football. So, as you so well said, what brings us here is a visit from a great, eloquent personality, Mr. Patrice Motsepe, who is the president of the Confederation of African Football. So it's in a quite particular context because after everything that happened with the tensions between the two countries, doing this visit, I think it's already good for us to calm the tensions a bit and try to find a diplomatic solution that would be favorable for both teams.

Alright. So

According to our information, the president of the CAF federation, for me Patrice Motsepe, is visiting between African countries. Well, it's true that we must acknowledge that it's in a quite particular context because with the recent events and so on, it's in a climate that is quite conducive. Because we can say that neither the Senegalese people have a grudge against him because it's his instance, the CAF, because it's the main personality who directed it, he is the president. So it's the CAF who decided in any case to declare by forfeit this Senegal national team that was in any case the winner on the green rectangle. So it was a decision difficult to accept for the Senegalese people. So it's quite normal also to have a certain bitterness towards him. So I also think he did well to come here to try to calm the tensions a bit, as I said, because in his schedule we saw that he should have started with the Federation but for lack of time he didn't start there, he went directly to Gorée Island for a visit where he was welcomed by the mayor, who is the former president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Master Augustin Soar. So after that, he returned to Dakar for an audience with the president of the republic, His Excellence Bassirou Diomaye Faye. So currently he is at the palace. So once his audience is over, he is expected here in this great hall here at Hotel Pulman where he will hold a press conference. But already we must alternate the languages a bit because it's a public personality who is here. So if we alternate between the two, it's to allow those who don't speak Wolof to understand what is happening here and what brings us together today. Effectively, to allow Senegal to face the press. Question: after...

What is his role in relation to Senegal since he is the president of CAF? Well, already we will juggle between the two like today, we start in Wolof just for...

The Senegal national team on the title of African champion, Morocco behind the tension...

Is it that...

Is it that in fact they are a bit the dignitaries of the federation, African... in favor of Morocco... just a little... Senegal in the world of African football, especially world because... normally for visit so...

Press conference of... but question because Senegal, newspaper, generation, current Morocco Senegal, prefer the press briefing because unlike the press conference, in a press conference journalists have the possibility to ask questions, but in press briefings it's more like a press declaration there in a way, but perhaps at the end to open the debate a bit to allow journalists to ask their questions. In any case, we will see in a few minutes.

I think it's the first time Senegal. Well, personally I don't have in mind a visit here to Senegal. I won't say it's his first, but I don't really have in mind a visit to Senegal in general because in African football, the first personality that stands out, the first profile that stands out is the profile of Motsepe, so to bring... because even in the schedule he is here just to talk about the development of African football. So when we talk about development, it's true that it's a vast theme, but certainly there are mechanisms. He might put them forward, explain them. So to bring to Senegalese football, because as I said, the Federation, because hierarchically, in fact, the Federation, sport especially on the football side, what will be the points because we know also...

corruption corruption... it's true that there is a wave of indignation from some Senegalese who do not agree with his visit, who consider him an unwelcome personality here in Senegal. But just, we must remind these people that Motsepe is a public personality, the one who leads the largest institution of African football. Someone hierarchically speaking, the Federation is in some way on the board, so to speak. And just for a small correction, a small clarification in relation to that, it is not in itself the Federation that invited Patrice Motsepe. The Federation was informed of Patrice Motsepe's visit through the presidency. It is the presidency that informed the Federation that Patrice Motsepe will be in Senegal. So, by respect, we can call it protocol respect or whatever, this same Federation is obliged to receive the most important personality of African football. This same Federation which explains especially the complaint for suspicion of corruption must lead to the truth. Clearly the referee received a sum. The members of the appeal jury were also corrupted. Everything must be revealed by a serious investigation.

Ah but well, he can allow himself to say that because perhaps he doesn't have a certain status. Like when you bring elements like that, you will need to have factual evidence. That is to say, one cannot accuse a referee of having received bribes without having proofs, and especially when moreover one is a journalist, that is to say the journalist, he always has this responsibility to reveal the truth. That is to say when you give information, you must be able to justify it. As a citizen, as a spectator, as a journalist, we cannot... journalistic... disciplinary...

The role and work of journalists must come into play. So it's very important. Alright. I saw a lot of red cards. Red card mom. That sums it all up, in any case, red cards.

information reason why... newspaper... it's true that it's true that we must not hope because as I said already, press briefing so press briefing. So it's different from a press conference as explained. Well after, we hope that perhaps at the end he will allow journalists to ask two or three questions because really we have an enormous number of questions. For example, Congolese referee, disciplinary arbitration commission. Why at the last moment the resignation of the secretary recently which really caused a shockwave. Why did that push? Even if the latter came out on France 24 article a while ago to explain that in fact there was no external pressure, internal pressure within CAF to take this decision. Why also, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala who refereed the match and also the final, why at a few moments before the final whistle? Why? Disciplinary... that no explanation, so the questions are numerous really. Certainly an interview and we won't have this possibility but perhaps at the end he will allow journalists to ask two or three questions. Alright to remind also currently Motsepe the president B... of the Republic.

After, alright, alright, who Abden? The referee said in his report that he made sovereign decisions.

Well, already for the reports, I will do it first in French after... it's the reports, we saw an investigation conducted by our colleagues from Le Monde, an investigation that was published I think two or three days ago, and in this report, in fact there are five reports that were made available to the public, and among these reports, the report of the referee Jean-Jacques Ndala who says, I quote, in his report that the match was temporarily interrupted at the 97th minute and subsequently he made the decision to continue the match. So the match ended. The match ended and after there was the ceremony of trophy presentation and even Senegal received the rewards from CAF, that is to say the winner, I think it was 10 million dollars, 8.6 million euros or so. So Senegal already received this. Which means that in fact there was no anomaly that could evoke articles 82 and 84 and consequently also if we take the other reports, they go in the same direction... allow others to understand... the world French... in fact interruption temporary interruption temporary... minute... Senegal... millions of dollars... behind... present... 75 million... to overwhelm the decision of the CAF, that is to say whether it's the disciplinary commission, the appeal jury, because as I said it's the report of the Royal Moroccan Federation. So they appealed just after a few months and after decision by forfeit Senegal to declare Morocco winner. Alright.

The president of the Federation Patrice Motsepe, so to explain clearly to the internet users who question. So to remind you, press briefing not press conference, so if we have the opportunity to ask questions. Because remember that inaugur... he was there, a first for Senegal. Because since the beginning, president. Because if we remember very well, final Senegal Morocco after on social networks. The president Patrice Motsepe for already wishing good luck I can say for... as president of CAF. It's true, it's true that some few but just to remind that in fact these were manipulated images because the image of ag it did not date because it was already imagery the honor and it was the Ballon d'Or ceremony so after because event CAF at each time we note in fact situations in fact voilà, situations used just to manipulate a little public opinion. But as explained earlier in fact in the referee's report, it's what was said, I say I quote what the referee said in his report, he says at the 97th minute there was a temporary stop of play following the protest of the Senegalese and the referee adds and on instruction of their main coach who is Pape Thiaw. The players stayed in the dressing room. So there was a Tunisian named Khalid Lemker. He was the general coordinator of the final. He goes a bit further in his remarks because as I said it's five reports. And in these remarks, what did he say? He evokes very lively protests from the entire Senegal team which intensified even more after the decision to award the penalty. He says the players went to the dressing rooms abandoning the match. That is what he wrote in his report and he specified that only one player Sadio Mané stayed to ask subsequently and a member of the technical staff to go to the dressing room and tell the players to return to the field and finish the match. Referee in fact it's a temporary interruption temporary interruption after 12 minutes after they resumed because it's the coach general final. And if we continue always in the report, there was the Egyptian Ahmed Oman. He was the match commissioner. What does he relate? He says the replacement officials of both teams try to fight each other. Sadio Mané finally brings his teammates to reason and on the field. After this forced pause, the referee explains that after the return of the Senegalese players on the field, the security head asks them to temporarily stop the match due to the disorder caused by the supporters of the Senegalese team against the security agents. Egyptian named Ahmed Osmaned OS commissioner... from the other side. Voilà. And that... but also explain to better understand the situation but because gag on green carpet so at the last minute I can say so New York Senegal so Senegal Moroccan because also in this final times the Senegal if we question if we evoke the facts, Senegal was disadvantaged countless times by the referees, by the organizers, by everything you want. Already, we start a bit to reestablish the facts qualification against Egypt. qualification against Egypt just after the qualification, we had to leave Tangier because that was our base camp, march of the finalist direct and everything. So the final should be played at Prince Abdallah stadium which is the capital of Morocco. So already the first of things Senegalese already hotel Johon hotel B it was not, it was not in the norms, it was not comfortable in any case not worthy of a finalist, a team that would play the final the Federation tabled the point to refuse they changed after Benu change N 2e 2e affair, we saw how in fact the security aspect was also deficient, lack of a certain rigor because there were only four police officers in fact to ensure the security of a whole national team, of a national team that is going to play a final in a few hours. So already problem, the Federation, the Moroccan Federation had also decided in fact to give the Mohamed 6 complex to Senegal. Because the training ground was in fact the Mohamed 6 complex which is the base camp of the Moroccan national team so Senegal many accepted to risk what is called espionage because at any time they can put cameras to see what Senegal prepares and that is still wrong. So Senegal also refused that and without... reported also, I had forgotten to say in the report also in these five reports, we must remember that there is a report that evoked our players who were victims of intoxication. They said intoxication. Well in the report in the report there is in any case there is a report that evoked for the al... already I think that it's still a file that deserves clarification. Perhaps that but Federation apart declaration but I think it's a very sensitive subject because for example he couldn't play the final also he was hospitalized so it was the physical integrity of these players that was in danger. So I think that also deserves clarifications. A little bit the veil on that wolof especially because situation explain how this national problem a question and it remains to see if press conference press conference but unfortunately press briefing perhaps at the end Senegalese champion of Africa national Moroccan. It's true that he has a quite neutral posture. Well, I won't say quite neutral, it's very neutral because since he hasn't congratulated Senegal. It's well communicated. So it's a posture we didn't expect from him because I think that whatever the outcome of this match, we must congratulate the winners and encourage the losers, which is not the case of Patrice Motsepe who never congratulated Senegal. Perhaps that or not, but in any case I think it's still a revealing decision because African football, African so that means a lot of things. We won't comment that but when you don't congratulate a winning team it means enormously. So perhaps he didn't do it. Voilà why he still hedges because well it's never too late. Voilà the fact that in the hands of justice but whatever the case we will be really eager for this question. Quite. Understand and everything but until then since January 18 passed especially Africa Cup of Nations because problem raised that at the moment when Senegal because situation really was really disastrous Senegalese we saw because Federation security because intention in situation for security Senegal in fact it's done by the fact because we when we had the possibility to question in fact the security of the national team in any case the security commission in fact the new means in fact they did everything they should do contact the Rabat police who are on the spot and they did it they also contacted CAF in any case security commission not they did it but to their great surprise once that arrive there was a popular crowd as Pap Thiaw denounced in press conference and certainly there could be ill-intentioned persons they will slip into the crowd and perhaps do their needs. You see the situation, we deplored it, we were indignant in relation to this situation and it's as you said in fact countries are called brother countries because after all it's sport, it's football, it's football that brings us together so it shouldn't be a sport that separates us whatever the result, whatever the outcome of the match. Always the one who wins, the other who lost should have a certain posture. God congratulate the winner and let's move on. So we don't need this enmity or a certain animosity in some way because simply we organized, we lost so voilà we won't let it happen. No no. Whether it's Senegal, whether it's Morocco, in fact football modern, there will always be winners and losers. And once the referee's decision has been taken, so I think the essential is to respect it, to move on. All the more since these two countries are called as you said, brother countries. So it's really a negative image sent by the Confederation of African Football with especially this absurd decision that we didn't understand. Decision understand because simply Morocco appealed because regulatory Senegal and. So I think it's a decision complicates it like that remains to know today what would be the posture of Patrice Motsepe since 5:30 PM press briefing should start at 5:30 PM but who is the origin of this delay already not we would like to know because 5:30 PM 6:22 PM practically since 1 hour we are here waiting. So there is who says that the incompetence of our federation. So we would like to know in fact under what why do you say that this federation is incompetent? We would like to in any case know the why of the how so the air you command that will facilitate a little exchange. There is CAR Paris who says that the Moroccan national team is first in Africa is first in the Arab world in the FIFA ranking and 8th worldwide. Yes, that are just figures. Alright. But just to remind you Card that yes, the Moroccan national team is first alright in Africa on the ranking. It is first in the Arab world on the ranking, alright. But Senegal won on the green rectangle, Senegal won through Pap Cissé at the 92nd minute for extra time. So Senegal is the winner of CAN. Senegal won and the ceremony took place, we returned with the trophy and voilà. So we must have a spirit of fair play and move on. The Moroccan national team is so full of talent that voilà next editions, you can win them without there being an appeal.

So some comments in relation to internet users and why why didn't they take samples in time to elucidate this case? Voilà.

In relation to because really because the fact that less than 24 hours... after among players interrogation. But anyway also it is 6:25 PM hotel president of CAF Patrice Motsepe because press briefing in relation to information like what Senegal between Senegal Senegal African. Well already as I said well to return on this episode it's true that journalists are doing investigations on that but in fact journalistic inquiries won't lead to much without the Federation because in fact if he decides to put at the disposal of journalists these results, journalists will do the necessary. So we on our side we try to do everything to have this information for a dignified inquiry. I... So so commentary commentary so in relation to the fact. Alright. that the fact for the Senegalese a star is a star a victory which is on the field. I admit a victory which is on the field. Reason for which we beat Morocco on the field. We beat Morocco on the field because well it's a history between especially days final Senegal and Morocco. Senegal and neither the. So, I saw comments which which Morocco champion of Africa. I think Hadim, look champion of Africa. Why did you leave the field? But but in virtue of what you are champion of Africa? You you talk you talk of the leaving field in fact the leaving was already a temporary leaving because it is clearly mentioned in the referee Jean-Jacques Ndala's report. just now, I said, he says, I quote, at the 97th minute, there was a temporary stop of the match because the Senegal national team through its coach who is Pape Thiaw had decided in fact to leave the field. Except that there was a player who stayed on the field and asked the players to come back. And this player, who was it? It was Sadio Mané. So Sadio Mané, he had not left the field. And this in fact this stop, we must ask ourselves what led to this temporary stop. Well before well before this stop, Senegal had scored a goal and the referee had whistled well before the end of the action, the goal of Ismaïla Sarr at the 89th minute. A few minutes later, there is a contentious action in the area. There is Pam Jaz who is neither captain nor vice-captain of the Moroccan team, who shouted at the referee, who interrupted in fact the match to ask the referee to go watch VAR for them to be awarded a penalty. And what happened behind? He wasn't even warned. So I think it's still today scandalous to get out like that. And behind why the Senegalese national team agreed that Senegal come back on the field because simply for them they thought he was going to score the penalty and that the referee would whistle the end a few minutes later and unfortunately for them they missed they missed the penalty and behind there is Pap Cissé who scored and the match was finished. But the ceremony was respected. Senegal returned with the trophy and its medals and that's it. you you agreed to continue because you had an advantage. We we had only one advantage but we still accepted to continue in fact the match even though it was to our disadvantage. So you you missed your penalty. We behind we scored through Pap Cissé in extra time and the match ended. The match is over. The result was homologated by FIFA by CAF rather and voilà, the protocol ceremony was respected and everyone returned with their medals. Senegal returned with its trophy. What do you want more? I think that's well answered. So comment also that question for ask question but conference press but press briefing press briefing. Already Senegal already because image of African football According to corruption and everything exactly Senegal the links between African countries, Senegal, other African countries but also Senegal President of the Republic also the president of the Football Federation. We saw the images with the former president of the Federation Augustin Soar also the staff the committee of the Federation. Anyway if he comes because exactly that in any case anyway from one minute to the next Senegal if it was to redo Pape Thiaw redo the same thing we are very proud of him no one should take us for fools. enough. We have suffered enough these stupidities in the past and that commentary Salam Fenn... Mané didn't leave the field but he went to call the others to the dressing room. Abdouah to win a title you have to score goals. It's better to jalon. So Morocco won by green carpet which marks the three points, the three goals of Morocco. And it's it's this same question that I ask myself. Who scored these three goals? I see a lot of red cards. Abdouah is here this is a Senegalese site. Me personally I don't care about Moroccan sites. Uh I think the debate is a bit hot. comment... but it's good. The Breton you are doing a good job from part universe. I hope that you will. So ch the guy must leave the federation but for example in the place of journalists conference press question in relation to after commentary conference pressour. So it was 5:30 PM journalists are here waiting the technicians also so perhaps from one moment or another he will be there but we hope in any case to be able to ask him questions also of this of this press conference press briefing rather because that's what they declared and perhaps D the possibility to journalists to ask two or three questions like that in possibility that you in fact because since that decision KFB in favor of Senegal because it was Senegal who won the match. After the Moroccans, the Moroccan Federation appealed and the CAF appeal jury in any case decided to award the trophy to Moroccans on green carpet. Considering that Senegal had left the field because for them Senegal must not leave field even though they applied articles 82 and 84. Except that in the reports in any case who have been who have been made especially by the referees, by the coordinator, by the security commission, this report, there is no report in any case where where the mention of leaving or quitting the field was was said. What was said, that it was a temporary stop. already. communication rather. commissioner also same thing who was there to voilà bring back this group. uh Tunisian also Egyptian also they did the same thing. So today, I think that all these elements in fact are are in favor of the decision of the CAF. We just hope we just wish to have the possibility. So question ADB question is why the ex takes so much place within the CAF just a vice-president. So cher cher Nour nen Now, what does he come do after having plotted against the interests of Senegal? So, Nessanien ask him why Senegal retains our 18 Senegalese supporters and what is his role to play, to secure release. So, Lman Senegal must stop the mash mash too much Maslaha. egal so. dit Junen we must ask him the question in relation to the leaving of the vice-president of the disciplinary commission the CD especially that also uh Ibrahim I will ask Motsepe if he suspects actions of corruption within the CAF appeal jury. So I wait I wait your questions. So already question so question in relation to fact. is always on the live to talk. You are in train to. I think we have a Moroccan friend in the comments and it's Salam F. go to the dressing room. does not mean leaving the. But it's 5:00 PM passed 43 minutes always at Pulman to wait for the president of CAF Patrice Motsepe for press briefing. accord the journalist Nesan ask him if he watched the final and who won the final who watched it. A very good question. So Jean Jean Nen is he worried by the complaint of Senegal at the level level of the United States. Uh that that starts at what hour? had said 6:00 PM but it is almost 7:00 PM so it is 6:45 PM we still wait. ADN Na, my question, ask him if it's true that he visited the Moroccan team the eve of the final, why he didn't do the same for Senegal? Alright. A very good question also that we must ask ourselves because after the final image on social networks is... So rest optimistic in what concerns the verdict of the tapis, even is well aware that Senegal is African champion. I think he does tourism in Senegal from Teranga. We must ask him also what is the utility of article 5 which defines well the decisions of the referee are irrevocable. Pose your questions. 6:00 PM 6:48 PM. So press briefing the president of CAF Patrice Motsepe press briefing we saw also Senegal final African Cup controversy 18 18 Senegalese supporters 2 months after 2 months information of this African Cup after 2 months Senegal on green carpet by 3 goals to 0 it's the first time it's the first world sporting the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, monsieur Abdouah Fal, representing. Again one time passing Senegal security national president at 24 hours of the match. normally at 48 hours of the match tur. is part of the best days team national Senegal Senegalese concentration refused by the referee 95th minute. Senegal it's a question it's a equation because Senegalén Sénégalais between supporters nor 6 months Senegalese the situation Senegal since the first prime minister diplomacy Senegal situation situation Senegal 95% of Senegalese Senegal the house of slaves, president of the Senegalese Football Federation football delegation including president of the Senegalese Football Federation on the Senegalese Republic currently but he 17. Voilà already for seat federation but after and that is it for they are interrogations but anyway the most important information therefore from one moment to another join for Senegalese Senegalese currently but because 18 supporters Senegalese before the final during the final and after the final Senegal Senegalese 2 months after champion of Africa on green carpet to understand of he is afraid because he is afraid because he is afraid why he is afraid since lawyer team national in Senegal press Senegal for corruption because for defend the interest of Senegal but for defend the colors of the national team of Senegal. Voilà the president like corruption the president of the Republic of Senegal Senegal for congratulate the national team of Senegal. journalist for congratulate nation victory Senegalese programmed president Voilà.

Mesdames, messieurs, bienvenue à cette conférence de presse du docteur Patrice Motsepe, président de la Confédération africaine de football. Mais au demeurant, on vous demandera d'abord d'arrêter les flash ou bien vous prenez d'abord les photos, ensuite vous arrêtez les flash afin qu'on puisse continuer. Alors le président Motsepe est accompagné par le président Abdouah Fal, président de la Fédération sénégalaise de football, le secrétaire général Abdouah Sidour, secrétaire général de la Fédération Sénégalaise de football, monsieur Samson Adamont qui est le secrétaire général par intérim de la CAF et monsieur LX Sorou September. euh qui est le directeur de la communication de la CAF. Pour le chronogramme, nous aurons d'abord monsieur Lexoro September qui va introduire le président Patrice Motsepe à l'issue de cette introduction. il reviendra sur les questions d'actualité et par la suite nous donnerons aux confrères la possibilité de poser quelques questions.

Bonsoir à tous chers collègues. Bonsoir président, président of CAF, président Fédération Sénégal, secrétaire général CAF, secrétaire général Sénégal, chers, Merci beaucoup if you don't mind, please give us a summary anglais we have a translation one in English, two in French and please the president will speak in English will have a translation in French Champions League later. Okay. But the big Champions League on the weekend Kev Champions League.

Everything he shared with me about the question of football development, and all that, but especially it addresses all the people of Senegal, who remain a people passionate about football, but above all a dynamic and motivated people, standing up for the advancement of football on the continent.