Senegal rejects CAF AFCON decision, calls for probe

The government of Senegal has condemned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to award Morocco the AFCON title, calling for investigations into CAF’s leadership.

Senegal called for probes into the federation, expressing suspicion of corruption within the organisation.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, Senegal expressed its disappointment in the decision to strip it of the AFCON title and give it to Morocco.

The Senegal government’s spokesperson, Marie Rose Khady Fatou, said that the CAF’s untimely overrule gravely undermined the regulations that govern sports.

“This unprecedented decision, of exceptional gravity, directly contradicts the cardinal principles that underpin sporting ethics, foremost among which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game,” Fatou said.

Fatou asserted that the decision resulted from a misaligned interpretation of the rules of the sport, describing it as illegal.

“It stems from a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and profoundly unjust decision,” she said.

Fatou insisted that Senegal rightfully won the AFCON finals and that the game was played fairly till the end of the match.

“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion and won in accordance with the rules of the game,” Fatou added.

She criticised CAF for undermining its credibility as Africa’s football institution and compromising the trust of its people.

“The CAF seriously undermines its own credibility as well as the legitimate trust that the African people place in continental sporting institutions,” she said.

Fatou asserted that Senegal strongly rejected the decision, saying it erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence.

“Furthermore, Senegal will use all appropriate legal avenues, including before the competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and the primacy of sporting results is restored,” Fatou noted.

She further declared Senegal’s support for its citizens who were arrested in Morocco after unrest over the incidents at the AFCON final.

“The government takes this opportunity to reiterate the solidarity of the entire nation with the Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco following the incidents at the AFCON final,” Fatou said.

“Senegal will remain resolute, vigilant, and unwavering in defending the rights of the Senegalese national team and restoring the honour of African sport.”