Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco.
The dispute stems from the AFCON final held in Rabat on January 18, when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after the hosts were awarded a late penalty during stoppage time. The team later returned to continue the match following intervention from captain Sadio Mané.
Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure what was initially a 1-0 victory for Senegal.
However, CAF on Tuesday overturned the result after reviewing an appeal by Morocco, citing rules regarding teams leaving the field of play. The governing body ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.
Reacting to the decision, government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye described the ruling as a serious blow to the credibility of CAF.
“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, CAF has seriously undermined its own credibility,” she said, adding that Senegal “unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession.”
Faye further described the decision as “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust,” while confirming that Senegal would pursue all available legal avenues, including approaching international courts, to restore what it considers a rightful victory.
The Secretary-General of the Senegalese Football Federation has also formally written to CAF, requesting a suspension of the decision and a halt to any trophy handover process in Morocco. The federation indicated its intention to file an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 48 hours.
In addition, the Senegalese government reiterated its concern over 18 of its citizens currently detained in Morocco following incidents during the match. The fans were arrested for alleged hooliganism, including violence against security personnel and property damage, and were later sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines.
Senegal assured that it remains committed to closely monitoring developments and securing a just resolution to the dispute.
