March 19 – Senegal’s government has alleged corruption at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and called for an investigation after the governing body stripped the country of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
In an unprecedented decision this week, CAF removed Senegal as continental champions – more than 50 days after the tournament’s final – and awarded the title to host nation Morocco.
In the final, the Senegalese beat Morocco 1-0 after they had walked off in protest against of a controversial penalty which Brahim Diaz eventually didn’t convert. But CAF’s appeal board overturned the result.
It’s prompted a furious reaction from the Senegalese government, which demands an independent international investigation. “Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” said a government statement.
“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.”
On Wednesday, CAF President Patrice Motsepe released a video statement defending the decision of the appeals board. He said: “It is important that the decisions of our CAF disciplinary board, and the CAF appeals board, are viewed with the respect and integrity that is very important to us.”
“Not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner which is more preferential or more advantageous or more favourable than any other.”
The Moroccan FA (FRMF) said it welcomed CAF’s decision.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]