The decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 crown has been met with bewilderment and anger
The Senegalese government has demanded an independent international investigation into what it claims is “suspected corruption” at the top of African football following the decision to strip the country of the AFCON title.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the decision last night, almost two months after a controversial final was eventually won by Senegal thanks to Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner.
However, that came following remarkable scenes that saw Senegal refuse to play after tournament hosts Morocco were awarded a highly contentious penalty in stoppage time.
After a delay of around 17 minutes, Senegal’s players returned to the pitch, and Brahim Diaz’s ill-advised Panenka was saved, forcing extra time.
Fury turned to unbridled joy for Senegal following Gueye’s winner, but CAF have now stripped them of the title following an appeal by Morocco.
Morocco’s appeal upheld by CAF
An initial disciplinary hearing had seen CAF hand down a series of fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials, but the result was allowed to stand.
But African football’s governing body said in a statement released on Tuesday that Senegal are “declared to have forfeited the final match” with the “result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour” of Morocco.
The appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF) was deemed “admissible in form” and subsequently upheld.
The decision has been widely criticised and the Senegalese government intend to take the matter further.
In a statement, it wrote: “This unprecedented decision, of exceptional gravity, directly contradicts the cardinal principles that underpin sporting ethics, foremost among which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game. It stems from a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and profoundly unjust decision.
“By calling into question a result achieved at the and of a match that was properly played to its conclusion and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the CAF seriously undermines its own credibility as well as the legitimate trust that the African people place in continental sporting institutions.”
Senegal ‘rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession’
The statement continued: “Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession.
“It calls for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the CAF’s governing bodies. Furthermore, Senegal will use all appropriate legal avenues, including before the competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and the primacy of sporting results is restored.”
Mane also angry at CAF call
Senegal’s star forward Sadio Mane also alleged corruption in another strongly worded statement.
The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward wrote: “What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in. There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.
“I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”
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