The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently reversed its decision on the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) outcome, awarding the championship to Morocco instead of Senegal, a full two months after the final match. This controversial ruling stems from an appeal lodged by Morocco, the host nation and runner-up in the competition. Beyond the decision itself, the timing has become a major point of contention.

The ‘longest final in football history’ unfolds

“In reality, this final, which took place on January 18, was subject to an appeal by the Moroccan delegation the very next day,” explained Nathalie Iannetta, Director of Sports at Radio France. “The Moroccans contested the result based on FIFA articles 82 and 84, which stipulate that a team that abandons the pitch must forfeit the match. Initial penalties were issued following this first appeal, including a five-match suspension for coach Pape Tiaw. However, this initial verdict was challenged by the Moroccans, and it was this subsequent challenge that led to the decision announced late on Tuesday night, at 10:30 PM, to the astonishment of everyone. Nobody anticipated the ruling would be delivered at such a moment. Even the Moroccans themselves released a statement overnight, expressing that while they sought adherence to the rules, it was ‘not at the expense of sporting performance’.

The Senegalese federation promptly responded, declaring its intention to appeal this verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The football community remains divided: some advocate for strict adherence to regulations, while others argue against overturning a trophy earned on the field, especially two months later. “This final will undoubtedly go down as the longest in the history of football,” Nathalie Iannetta concluded.