Senegal government demand investigation into ‘suspected corruption’ at CAF

The Senegalese government has demanded an independent international investigation into what it claims is “suspected corruption” at the top of African football following the decision to strip the country of the AFCON title.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the decision last night, almost two months after a controversial final eventually won by Senegal thanks to Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner.

However, that came following remarkable scenes that saw Senegal refuse to play after tournament hosts Morocco were awarded a highly contentious penalty in stoppage time.

After a delay of around 17 minutes, Senegal’s players returned to the pitch, and Brahim Diaz’s ill-advised Panenka was saved, forcing extra time.

Fury turned to unbridled joy for Senegal following Gueye’s winner, but CAF have now stripped them of the title following an appeal by Morocco.

Morocco’s appeal upheld by CAF

An initial disciplinary hearing had seen CAF hand down a series of fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials, but the result was allowed to stand.

But African football’s governing body said in a statement released on Tuesday that Senegal are “declared to have forfeited the final match” with the “result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour” of Morocco.

The appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF) was deemed “admissible in form” and subsequently upheld.

The decision has been widely criticised and the Senegalese government intend to take the matter further.

In a statement, it wrote: “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. It stems from a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and profoundly unjust decision.

“By calling into question a result achieved at the and of a match that was properly played to its conclusion and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the CAF seriously undermines its own credibility as well as the legitimate trust that the African people place in continental sporting institutions.”

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