Claude Le Roy: CAF’s 2026 AFCON ruling will make world football laugh | OneFootball

Outrage erupted after the Confederation of African Football’s appeals jury awarded the 2026 AFCON to Morocco by a 3-0 forfeit, overturning Senegal’s win after extra time. The Confederation of African Football said in a statement around 22:30 that the 3-0 in the final had been ratified.

Senegal’s players shifted from disbelief to anger. One starter chose not to speak, fearing he would say something he would regret. Lyon defender Moussa Niakhaté later shared images of the Dakar trophy parade, challenged rivals to come and take his medal and the Cup, then insisted it was real and not AI.

Toulouse midfielder Pape Demba Diop called the situation crazy on Instagram. Inside Senegal’s federation, outrage grew ahead of a CAF executive committee on 29 March and an explosive response was mooted.

Morocco’s federation adopted a measured line, taking note of the ruling. It maintained its challenge concerned the application of regulations, not sporting merit, and reaffirmed a commitment to rules, clarity and stability.

Claude Le Roy, Senegal coach from 1990 to 1992 and a 1988 AFCON winner with Cameroon, condemned what he viewed as farcical. He accused M. (Patrice) Motseppe of serving Gianni Infantino and of wanting from the outset to hand the Cup to Morocco, while acknowledging Morocco’s fine tournament and insisting Senegal were better in the final. He alleged long-standing distortions of refereeing by CAF, argued there were underhand dealings, believed Senegal would ultimately be restored, expected an appeal commission then the TAS to follow, and warned the decision would make world football laugh.

Source: L'Équipe