Senegal Celebrates Disputed Africa Cup Title Amidst ‘Administrative Robbery’ Claims

Senegal’s national football team held a controversial celebration in Paris, proudly displaying the Africa Cup trophy despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) retroactively revoking their title. This grand spectacle occurred before their friendly match against Peru (which Senegal won 2-0).

During a lap of honor around the Stade de France, accompanied by a concert featuring a Senegalese artist, the team presented the trophy to thousands of fans. This demonstration proceeded even though CAF had nullified Senegal’s victory, subsequently declaring Morocco the winner. The ultimate decision on the title’s rightful owner now rests with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Following the honorary lap, captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy placed the trophy on the stands alongside federation president Abdoulaye Fall. Thousands of Senegalese supporters had already begun flocking into the stadium from 2 PM onwards.

In their first international match since the contentious Africa Cup final in January, Senegal secured a victory. Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the 41st minute, with Ismaila Sarr extending the lead after the break in the 54th minute.

Federation President Fall Alleges ‘Administrative Robbery’

Plans for the celebration and protest became public on Thursday. During a press conference in Paris, Federation President Fall described the situation as an «administrative robbery, the most egregious in the history of our sport.» He unequivocally declared, «Senegal refuses to accept this as a given.»

A lawyer representing the Senegalese federation further stated that no existing decision obligates them to return the medals or the trophy. The federation also announced its intention to file a corruption complaint against several individuals involved in the decision-making process.

CAS Promises Swift Decision

Senegal had initially won the final, but the team controversially walked off the pitch in protest against a referee’s decision. CAF subsequently ruled the match a 3-0 loss for Senegal last week after upholding an appeal from Morocco. In response, the Senegalese federation officially filed an appeal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

The CAS has expressed its commitment to reaching a timely yet thorough decision. Matthieu Reeb, Director General of CAS, stated, «We understand that teams and fans eagerly await the final decision, and we will ensure the arbitration process is conducted as swiftly as possible while upholding the right of all parties to a fair hearing.»

Africa Cup of Nations: Last 5 Winners

*Senegal initially won the final 1-0 after extra time. However, following an appeal, the CAF Appeals Board reclassified the result as a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Senegal has subsequently appealed this decision to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will issue the final ruling.