Beninois journalist and Caf media officer, Felix Peperipe, has strongly denied allegations of “indecent conduct” after being handed a five-year ban from all Confederation of African Football (Caf) competitions. The suspension came during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
Peperipe, who has worked for both Caf and FIFA over the past five years, insists the accusations lack evidence. According to Caf’s Disciplinary Committee, he allegedly tried to kiss a female staff member working at the tournament.
Speaking from Benin, Peperipe expressed disappointment in the decision. “I am truly disappointed by what is happening at Caf and more specifically by the disciplinary committee. When you push someone out, you have to have proof. But there is no proof,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
Caf’s Ruling and Allegations
Caf’s official ruling stated that Peperipe violated Caf statutes through indecent behaviour. The disciplinary committee claimed that the journalist invited a Moroccan VAR staff member, referred to as victim “X”, into his room under the pretext of handing her tickets.
According to the report, he then attempted to persuade her to stay for a drink before allegedly trying to kiss her. The woman reportedly pushed him away and left. Caf also revealed that WhatsApp messages between the two showed Peperipe apologising for the incident.
Soon after, Caf says it received a second complaint, this time from another woman referred to as victim “Y”. She alleged that during the previous CHAN tournament in Cameroon in 2021, Peperipe invited her to his room with an offer of payment in exchange for sexual favours.
Peperipe Denies Allegations and Points to Politics
While Peperipe has not responded directly to the 2021 claims, he firmly rejected the allegations related to the Algeria incident. He suggested that the suspension may have political undertones, especially given rising tensions between Algeria and Morocco.
He pointed to a viral video where he praised Algerian organisers for celebrating his birthday and wished them success in hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco, a rival bidder, reportedly viewed the remarks as siding with their “enemies.”
Peperipe claims Moroccan influence within Caf may have contributed to his punishment. “African football is dominated by Moroccans today. I sincerely regret the speed with which the disciplinary committee has come to its decision,” he argued.
Wider Political Tensions Between Algeria and Morocco
The controversy comes amid strained relations between Algeria and Morocco, who severed diplomatic ties in 2021. Algeria’s refusal to allow Morocco’s national team direct access to CHAN further fueled the row.
The situation escalated when Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, called for the liberation of Western Sahara during the CHAN opening ceremony in Algeria. The remarks, seen as targeting Morocco, deepened political tensions in the tournament.
With Morocco, Algeria, Benin-Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia all interested in hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Peperipe believes his suspension is part of a larger political game ahead of the host vote.
Caf Declines Comment as Investigation Continues
Caf has not commented on Peperipe’s political claims but reaffirmed that the disciplinary decision was based on evidence. For now, the five-year suspension stands, preventing him from participating in any Caf-related activity until 2028.
The case highlights the intersection of football, politics, and personal conduct in African football governance. Whether Peperipe’s appeal or further investigation changes the outcome remains to be seen.
