According to a Moroccan news outlet, questions have reportedly been raised regarding CAF president Patrice Motsepe's constant presence at Bafana Bafana's matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Per Moroccan website SATV.ma, there are concerns regarding the 62-year-old's consistent attendance at his country's matches at the tournament, questioning whether it is intentional and if it has had an affect on the games the South Africans have played.
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According to the abovementioned publication, a number observers of the showpiece, including sports analysts, are concerned about the possibility of Motsepe's presence influencing the rulings of on-field referees, as well as those of designated VAR officials during matches.
It suggested that said influence may have led to the nation being favoured in terms of decisions going their way, potentially affecting the outcome of matches and ultimately leading to "an event that may change the football map in Africa" – South Africa possibly becoming champions of AFCON.
Motsepe travelled to both of Bafana's knockout games last week, going to San-Pedro for the side's encounter against Morocco, followed by the trip to Yamoussoukro to witness the quarter-final clash against Cape Verde on Saturday.
Al Arab newspaper, though, has commended the South African for his "constant presence in every match". It is stated that it had previously been customary for the CAF president to attend one match per day, but according to them, Motsepe has taken things to a new level.
Per the abovementioned publication, an African Union official said that Motsepe is able to travel to different matches in various cities because he utilises a private jet, enabling him to watch multiple games in the space of a day.
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Bafana are set to take on Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 34th edition of Africa's showpiece competition on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
The other knockout fixture on the day will be between host nation Ivory Coast and DR Congo, which will begin at 22:00.
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