The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco, prompting the Senegalese government to call for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption.
According to Caf, Senegal forfeited the match after their players walked off the pitch in protest when hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in January's final. The Senegalese government has rejected this decision, stating it is based on a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced it will appeal against Caf's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), calling it an unfair and unacceptable decision that brings discredit to African football.
Background to the Decision
The controversy began when Senegal's players left the pitch after the award of a penalty for Morocco by referee Jean Jacques Ndala. The players returned after a 17-minute delay, and the match continued with Senegal eventually winning 1-0.
Caf's decision to overturn the result has been met with criticism from the Senegalese government and the FSF, who claim the decision is unjust and based on a flawed interpretation of the rules.
Reaction to the Decision
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has stated that it is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and that the scenes must be condemned and never repeated. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has also opened a consultation on how to deal with situations when players unilaterally decide to leave the field of play as a means of protest.
Some Senegal players have suggested they will not relinquish their winners' medals, with midfielder Idrissa Gueye stating on social media that no-one can take away their experience of winning the match.
Investigation and Appeal
The Senegalese government has called for an independent international investigation into the decision, citing suspected corruption within Caf. The FSF has announced it will appeal against the decision at Cas, with secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow stating that the law is on their side and they will defend their rights to the very end.
Former Caf head of disciplinary Raymond Hack has questioned the decisions made by African football's governing body, suggesting there is a perception of political interference. He stated that the game should be won on the field of play, not in a boardroom.
