Sports 18 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
CAF Appeal Board Strips Senegal of AFCON Title, Hands It to Morocco in Major Controversy
The Confederation of African Football's Appeal Board has revoked Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations victory, awarding the title and a 3-0 scoreline to Morocco after deeming Senegal's protest walk-off a rule violation. The ruling, set for appeal, has drawn sharp criticism and threatens the tournament's growing reputation amid recent viewership gains. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/cup-of-nations-decision-hammer-blow-for-african-football-5395960
The Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat descended into chaos when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a VAR call, only to return and secure a 1-0 win against Morocco. Now, the CAF Appeal Board’s Tuesday decision has nullified that result, stripping Senegal of the title for breaching tournament rules and granting Morocco the trophy with a 3-0 forfeit score.
Senegal plans to challenge the verdict, prolonging a saga that experts say damages African football’s image. Former Senegal coach Alain Giresse lamented the lack of ‘common sense,’ warning it portrays the sport as unserious. Ex-France star Samir Nasri called it ridiculous, noting Senegal’s on-pitch celebrations, while ex-CAF vice president Kwesi Nyantakyi decried ‘kangaroo court’ tactics undermining transparency.
The uproar erupted just a day after CAF president Patrice Motsepe met sponsors and broadcasters, touting a 61% viewership surge that positioned AFCON as a top global event. Motsepe had already expressed dismay over the final’s incidents—including player clashes and equipment theft—vowing stricter penalties, fines, and refereeing improvements to protect the game’s integrity.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino had swiftly condemned the ‘ugly scenes’ post-match, echoing calls for reform in African football governance.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)