The governing body’s appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the January final after players walked off the pitch in protest over a refereeing decision.
African football’s governing body, Confederation of African Football, has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title they won in a chaotic final two months ago, declaring Morocco as the new champions.
In a dramatic ruling, CAF announced on Tuesday that its appeals board determined Senegal had “forfeited” the match, originally a 1-0 win, and the result is now officially recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of host nation Morocco.
At the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
When play resumed after a 15-minute delay, Brahim Diaz saw his penalty saved. In extra time, Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal, securing Senegal’s second African title.
The tense final was marred by chaos, with fans attempting to storm the pitch, players clashing on the sidelines, and journalists from both nations involved in altercations. In a bizarre moment, Moroccan ball boys tried to grab a towel from Edouard Mendy, seemingly to distract him and aid their team’s chances.
At a disciplinary hearing in January, the Confederation of African Football issued fines exceeding $1 million and handed bans to players and officials from both sides, though the match result initially remained unchanged.
The case may now be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for further appeal.
About the Author
