CAPE TOWN, March 18 - Senegal has denounced the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip them of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable.”
Morocco was declared champion after CAF’s Appeal Board upheld their protest, ruling Senegal’s 14-minute walk-off during the January 18 final in Rabat constituted a forfeit under tournament regulations.
Senegal had won the match in extra time with a goal by Pape Gueye-after returning to the pitch following the protest triggered by coach Papa Bouna Thiaw. Veteran striker Sadio Mane helped rally teammates back onto the field.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
CAF’s handling echoes its 2019 Wydad Casablanca controversy-where CAS overturned CAF’s replay order and affirmed Esperance as champions.
“The referee’s decision is final,” said veteran coach Claude Le Roy. “For years, all refereeing decisions have been flouted by CAF.”