Sports

Motsepe Speaks on CAF decisions for hosting AFCON every four years

We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this.

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

OCHEFA

99 Views

• President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe. (Photo by Phill Magakoe AFP).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified that the decision by the body to be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations from every two to four years wasn’t influenced by the FIFA.

The decision was announced last month and drew heavy criticisms, with several African football personalities alleging that it was a measure forced upon Africa by FIFA, whose president Gianni Infantino had six years ago advocated that the Cup of Nations be played four-yearly rather than every two years.

However, the CAF’s President, Patrice Motsepe, dismissed the allegations of undue influence from FIFA, emphasising that they would go ahead with the Cup of Nations every four years after 2028, plus introduce an African Nations League in 2029.

“We didn’t do as good a job at CAF in preparing the ground 1for this AFCON every four years. We must make sure that our everyday people, whom we account to, must understand what we have done is good for them,” Motsepe told a press conference on the eve of the final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.

“This is the right decision. We will indeed have a new competition, and it will be enormously successful. African football will be better,” he added.

“We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this.

“We can be convinced we are doing the right things, but it is important that everyone on the continent is convinced we are doing the right things, too.

“We have to educate our people on the decisions we have taken. We know that in two to three years, people will see what we are talking about.”

The reason Africa has held its Cup of Nations every two years while other confederations play their championship every four years is that the tournament’s revenue used to provide about 80 per cent of CAF’s budget.

However, Motsepe said: “The revenue of the AFCON is significantly less than the revenue we have generated for the African Nations League. We are absolutely convinced it will work.”

Related Topics:Featured Motsepe CAF AFCON's future hosting

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Tottenham sacks manager Thomas Frank

Tottenham fans booed Frank and chanted for his sacking during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

Published

6 hours ago

February 11, 2026

OCHEFA

7 Views

•Thomas Frank

Tottenham has sacked the Men’s Head Coach, Thomas Frank.

Tottenham fans booed Frank and chanted for his sacking during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

“Thomas Frank was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together,” said the Club via a statement on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “The Club has taken the decision to make a change in position and Thomas Frank will leave today. However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.“

Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward.

We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

Frank left Brentford in June to replace Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked despite winning the Europa League.

Sports

Arsenal wins $2.3m prize in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

The European champions edged past the Brazilian side thanks to a decisive extra-time strike from Caitlin Foord, securing a payout almost four times the €500,000 ($590,000) they earned for winning last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Published

1 week ago

February 2, 2026

OCHEFA

74 Views

Arsenal has emerged the winner of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, claiming a record $2.3 million prize, the largest financial reward in the history of women’s club football. It beats Corinthians 3–2 .

Despite being heavy favourites, Arsenal were pushed to the limit by a spirited Corinthians side, who had stunned US champions Gotham FC in the semi-finals.

Olivia Smith gave Arsenal an early lead, but Gabi Zanotti quickly drew Corinthians level.

Lotte Wubben-Moy restored the Gunners’ advantage, and celebrations were already building when Corinthians struck back dramatically in stoppage time.

Vic Albuquerque converted from the penalty spot after Gisela Robledo was fouled in the box.

Arsenal’s superior depth eventually told in extra time, as Foord squeezed a finish in at the near post to finally break Corinthians’ resistance and seal a historic victory.

.“It’s not often you can write history at Arsenal because history has been written so many times,” Wubben-Moy told Sky Sports. “To come to this inaugural competition and win it, with our fans here, is really special.”

Sports

CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, & Fines both Morocco and Senegal

Published

2 weeks ago

January 29, 2026

Charles Flames

79 Views

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed significant sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), along with several players and officials from both nations.

The penalties stem from incidents that occurred during and after the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final match, which violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty, integrity, and respect for match officials.

The decisions were announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following a review of disciplinary reports from the high-profile final held in Rabat, Morocco.Sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):

– A fine of USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.

– A fine of USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff.

– A fine of USD 15,000 for team misconduct, due to five players receiving cautions (yellow cards).

– Total fines on FSF: Approximately USD 615,000.

Individual sanctions for Senegal include:

– Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute (linked to events such as a brief team protest over a late VAR decision).

– Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

Sanctions on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):

– A fine of USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys during the match.

– A fine of USD 100,000 for the conduct of players and technical staff (including invading restricted areas).

– A fine of USD 15,000 for fans’ use of lasers (as reported in some summaries).

– Total fines on FRMF: Approximately USD 315,000.

Individual sanctions for Morocco include:

– Player Achraf Hakimi suspended for two CAF matches (with one potentially suspended for a year in some reports).

– Other players, such as Ismaël Saibari, facing suspensions of up to three matches and fines.

The CAF Disciplinary Board also reportedly rejected a formal protest from the FRMF alleging violations by Senegal, confirming Senegal’s status as AFCON 2025 champions.

These measures mark one of the stricter disciplinary responses in recent AFCON history, aimed at upholding the integrity of the competition amid the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the final.

Both federations have the option to appeal certain decisions through CAF processes.