EXCLUSIVE: Former Kenya FA leader criticises CAF for revoking Senegal's AFCON championship
In a surprising development, the appeals panel of the African organisation issued its ruling on the controversies from the championship match. Senegal was deemed to have forfeited, handing the hosting country an official win and the championship.
Referring to sections 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations guidelines, the officials concluded that the behaviour of the Senegal squad merited a harsh sanction.
The championship match in Rabat was paused for more than 15 minutes when Senegal's players objected to the call granting Morocco a penalty kick just seconds before the end of regulation time.
Once Senegal ended their protest and returned to the field, Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty, pushing the match into additional time. Senegal capitalised by scoring through Pape Gueye to claim their second AFCON championship ever.
‘It is outright theft’
“This represents not just an unheard-of but a profoundly grave ruling rooted in a clearly mistaken reading of the rules, resulting in a blatantly unlawful and profoundly unfair outcome,” Nyamweya stated to Flashscore.
“CAF's ruling has raised far more issues than it resolves, since the game went all the way to the end without any abandonment.”
Nyamweya acknowledged that Senegal's players erred by leaving the pitch in response to Morocco receiving what appeared to be a dubious penalty.
“Senegal's players were wrong to exit the field after the official gave Morocco a penalty that many viewed as dubious late in stoppage time,” Nyamweya remarked.
“Senegal then netted a goal during extra time before the whole world, securing the championship. Yet CAF has proceeded to remove the title from Senegal following Morocco's protest, which amounts to nothing less than outright theft.”
Nyamweya went on: “The laws of football state that the team victorious on the field earns the points or the championship in a final, barring other violations. Here, the referees permitted the contest to finish fully, so how does the victor lose the championship?”
He wrapped up: “CAF's move establishes a risky example and will undermine the progress African football has achieved in recent years.
“As someone involved in football administration and a past CAF committee member, I urge CAF's highest authorities to address this chaos from the decision. Championships must be decided on the pitch, not in meeting rooms.”
‘Nobody can remove our prize’
Ex-Senegalese player Diomansy Kamara has challenged the outcome and the trustworthiness of Africa's football overseers.
“Morocco, African title holders?? Seriously?? So they can free our supporters now? Get them on the earliest flight back tomorrow morning…,” Kamara commented, having featured in 50 matches and scored nine for the Lions of Teranga.
Kamara continued: “Nobody can strip us of our prize and our pride. The whole integrity of African football is under scrutiny now. It goes beyond one squad or nation.
“The trust in our complete football framework is at stake. How can anyone respect us if we fail to safeguard our tournaments' fairness?”
Ex-Senegal standout Omar Daf remarked: “I am greatly taken aback. After some weeks, there was no more discussion. It was the showdown between the tournament's top two sides, claimed by Senegal.
“Like others, that initial shock hit me. Actually, it makes no sense at all. All this harms the reputation of football overall, beyond just African football.
“Such a call needed to come right away or shortly after. By now, it is too late! Senegal rejoiced, the public rejoiced, the squad visited the Presidential Palace…”
CAF head Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the West African country may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).