Following the controversial revocation of their Africa Cup title, the Senegalese government has called for an «independent international investigation» into potential corruption allegations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye also sharply condemned the retrospective naming of Morocco as African champion.
Faye described the decision as «grossly unlawful and deeply unjust.» She added that by questioning a result achieved in a properly contested and rules-abiding game, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) «significantly undermines its own credibility.» She demanded an investigation «within the CAF’s governing bodies.»
Senegal Plans Appeal
The CAF had stripped Senegal of its continental title on Tuesday. During the final on January 18, the Senegalese team initially walked off the pitch after a penalty decision was awarded to Morocco. After a prolonged interruption, reportedly at the urging of captain Sadio Mané, they returned and ultimately won the match 1-0 with a goal in stoppage time.
Early Wednesday morning, the Senegalese Football Federation announced its intention to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne «as soon as possible.»