Following the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, the country’s government accused the organisation of corruption and demanded an inquiry.
More than 50 days after the tournament’s conclusion, CAF made an extraordinary decision this week, dismissing Senegal as the continental champions and giving the title to Morocco, the host country.
The Teranga Lions defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final after walking off in protest of a contentious penalty that Brahim Diaz ultimately failed to convert. However, the verdict was reversed by CAF’s appeal board.
It’s prompted a furious reaction from the Senegalese government, which demands an independent international investigation.
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“Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” said a government statement as quoted by Inside World Football.
“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the CAF seriously undermines its own credibility.”
It follows the decision by the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) to appeal CAF’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a statement, the FSF said: “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which casts a shadow over African football.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.”
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