The Senegalese government has demanded an independent international investigation after the Confederation of African Football controversially stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Mexico.
The uproar stems from a dramatic incident during the final’s second-half stoppage time, when Morocco was given a penalty while the score remained 0-0.
In protest of the referee’s decision, several Senegal players walked off the pitch.
After some time, Sadio Mane persuaded his teammates to return, but Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.
Senegal eventually clinched the win in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 victory.
However, CAF reversed the result on Tuesday, awarding the title to Morocco and citing regulations regarding players leaving the field.
Senegal government reacts
Government spokeswoman Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye condemned the decision, stating, “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.”
She continued, “Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” and called for “an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the CAF’s governing bodies.”
Faye also emphasized that Senegal would explore legal options, saying, “Senegal will pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including before the competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and that the primacy of sporting results is restored.”
In response, the Senegal Football Federation’s secretary-general requested that CAF halt enforcement of the decision until a final arbitration ruling is made.
The walk-off had seen several Senegalese players escorted off the field by coach Pape Thiaw for 15 minutes, sparking chaos and prompting fans to attempt to storm the pitch.
