CAF Vice President Kurt Okraku Dismisses Claims of Bias in Favour of Host Nation Morocco at AFCON 2025
Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has firmly dismissed allegations that the football governing body manipulated officiating to favour host nation Morocco during the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an exclusive interview with Micheal Kofi Oduro on Metro TV, Mr. Okraku described the claims as “completely false”, insisting that CAF remains neutral and fully committed to fair and competitive football across the continent.
“It is never true that CAF would manipulate officiating decisions to ensure a particular country, including the host nation, wins the tournament because of its investment in African sports,” he stated.
Mr. Okraku explained that referees, like all humans, are prone to mistakes and inconsistencies during matches. He stressed that occasional officiating errors should not be misinterpreted as deliberate attempts by CAF to favour any team or country.
He further pointed out that all CAF member associations are represented at the CAF Executive Council, making it illogical to suggest that the organisation would act in the interest of one nation at the expense of others.
“The allegations of bias and manipulation are unfounded. CAF operates under strict principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity,” he added.
Mr. Okraku concluded by reaffirming CAF’s unwavering commitment to neutrality and the continuous growth and credibility of football across Africa.
The remarks come amid lingering controversy surrounding the dramatic ending of the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The incident sparked formal complaints from the Moroccan FA and widespread debate about officiating standards, though CAF has consistently maintained that all decisions were handled in line with the rules of the game.
With CAF’s disciplinary process still underway regarding the final’s chaotic scenes, Mr. Okraku’s statement serves as a clear defence of the organisation’s impartiality and dedication to upholding the integrity of African football.
