CAF awards AFCON title to Morocco by forfeit as Senegal seek probe | OneFootball

CAF has controversially awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco by forfeit, with Senegal ruled defeated. According to Le Progres, Senegal have moved to contest the ruling as reaction spread across football.

The decision concerns a final played two months earlier, which Senegal had won 1-0 after extra time. The match was chaotic, Senegal left for 12 minutes after a Morocco penalty was awarded, and Brahim Diaz then missed the kick.

CAF cited article 82 of its regulations, under which a team that refuses to play or leaves without the referee’s permission forfeits and is eliminated. Article 84 imposes a 3-0 loss. Morocco’s federation welcomed a ruling it viewed as upholding the rules and the stability of competitions.

Wednesday Senegal’s government called for an international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s leadership, where Moroccan influence is often singled out. It said it would pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including international courts, to restore the primacy of the sporting result.

The timing drew ire. Samir Nasri mocked the delay and argued it further discredits CAF, while Lens coach Pierre Sage felt it was hard to accept Senegal had lost and doubted Moroccan players would relish winning this way.

Idrissa Gueye struck a measured note, describing trophies as fleeting and praising Senegalese dignity, adding the squad know what they lived that night in Rabat. Senegal had planned to travel with the trophy to present it to fans before facing Peru at the Stade de France on 28 March.

Source: Le Progres