Senegal are refusing to hand back the AFCON trophy after CAF upheld Morocco’s complaints in a monumental ruling on Tuesday evening
Senegal are refusing to hand back their Africa Cup of Nations trophy after CAF ruled the final a walkover, 40 days after the final whistle.
Senegal had beaten Morocco in the final back in January, but the result has now been overturned in a monumental ruling after CAF decided that Senegal stoppage time walk-off meant they had broken the laws of the game.
During stoppage time, in the final, the Lions of Teranga stormed off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty. There was a lengthy stoppage as Sadio Mane pleaded with his team-mates to return to the pitch.
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Braham Diaz’s penalty was missed once they returned, and Senegal would even go on to score a winner to claim the AFCON title. However, Morocco have since argued that the game was finished the moment Senegal refused to play on.
And the appeal they lodged with CAF has now been upheld, with Morocco declared as 3-0 winners and the AFCON champions.
However, Senegal have blasted the decision and are refusing to hand back the trophy. A statement said: “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football.
“In defense of its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.”
Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Sow added: “The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is corrupt, and the reactions worldwide following this decision confirm total outrage.
“The FSF president is in discussions with all those involved. The fight is far from over.
“I want to reassure all Senegalese people. Senegal has the right and victory is on its side. The cup will not leave the country.”