Senegal has demanded an independent international investigation following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
The dispute stems from the final played in Rabat on January 18, when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to the hosts. The team later returned after intervention from captain Sadio Mane.
Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal appeared to secure victory in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye, initially sealing a 1–0 win.
However, CAF later overturned the result, ruling that Senegal’s temporary walkout constituted a breach of regulations and amounted to a forfeit. The match was officially recorded as a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
Senegal’s government has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as unjust, illegal, and damaging to CAF’s credibility. Authorities have pledged to pursue legal action, including a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Senegalese Football Federation also criticized the ruling as unprecedented, warning that it could harm the integrity and reputation of African football.
Source: Newstimehub
