The global sports community is in shock following a controversial ruling by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). Two months after the final whistle, the title earned by Sénégal during the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has been revoked and handed to Maroc.
The decision follows a formal protest by the Moroccan federation. Although the Lions de la Teranga won the match 1-0 in extra time on January 18, the CAF appeal jury has declared the team forfeit. Consequently, the official scoreline has been adjusted to a 3-0 victory for Maroc, effectively changing the history of the tournament on paper.
Sénégal alleges corruption within CAF
The reaction from Sénégal was swift and uncompromising. The national government has called for an international inquiry, citing “suspicions of corruption” within the leadership of CAF. Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, the government spokesperson, stated that the country rejects this attempt at “unjustified dispossession.”
Simultaneously, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) described the ruling as an “unacceptable and iniquitous” act that damages the reputation of African football. The FSF has announced plans to take the matter to the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) in Lausanne, Suisse, to fight the decision. Abdoulaye Sow, the FSF General Secretary, insisted that the trophy would remain in Sénégal, claiming the victory was rightfully theirs on the field.
Dissecting the chaotic final in Rabat
The controversy dates back to the final match held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. During second-half stoppage time, with the score tied at 0-0, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Maroc after a challenge by Diouf on Brahim Diaz. This sparked fury among the Senegalese players, who felt a previous foul in the opposing box had been ignored.
In the heat of the moment, coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch. Amidst scenes of confusion and crowd unrest, only Sadio Mané remained on the field. After a 15-minute delay, play resumed. Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty, and Sénégal eventually secured the win in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye. This story has become a major talking point in West Africa Mali and across the continent, dominating Mali Seven news and Mali English news cycles.
Legal basis and the Wydad Casablanca precedent
CAF based its decision on Articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. Article 82 stipulates that any team leaving the field before the end of regulation time without the referee’s consent is considered the loser and eliminated from the competition. While Maroc stated they only sought the application of existing rules rather than questioning the athletic performance, critics point to the timing of the decision as highly unusual.
Sources close to the Moroccan federation noted a similar precedent from 2019, when Espérance de Tunis was awarded the CAF Champions League title after Wydad Casablanca players walked off the pitch to protest a VAR failure. As Bamako news today and regional outlets cover the fallout, the legal battle is expected to intensify. Meanwhile, disciplinary fines have been issued to both nations, and the legal cases of several supporters involved in the stadium unrest remain pending.
