The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the Senegalese government has publicly called for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the country's Africa Cup of Nations title was revoked nearly two months ago and was controversially given to Morocco.

According to the report, the Senegalese government considers the CAF's decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title to be utterly shocking and disappointing, deeming it unlawful, and has threatened legal action to challenge the ruling.

The Senegalese government, in an official statement, condemned the decision, stating: "This unprecedented and extremely serious decision directly violates the fundamental principles of sportsmanship, the most important of which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the integrity of the game. The decision stems from a blatant misinterpretation of the rules, resulting in an extremely illegal and unjust ruling."

"The Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s questioning of a match result achieved through the rules and ultimately won not only severely damages its own credibility but also betrays the trust of the African people in African sports institutions."

"Senegal cannot tolerate any administrative decision that negates dedication, individual ability, and outstanding athletic performance. Senegal firmly opposes this unwarranted attempt at deprivation."

"Senegal calls for an independent international investigation into allegations of corruption within the CAF governing body."

"Furthermore, Senegal will pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including before the relevant international courts, to ensure justice is served and the principle of prioritizing sporting achievement is restored."

The report also added that journalists have confirmed with government officials that the Senegalese Football Association will appeal the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Following the incident, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Pierre Motseppe issued an official statement saying, "I have heard that Senegal will appeal, which is very important. All 54 African nations have the right to appeal at the highest level."

"Not only at the highest level in Africa, but also at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We will abide by and respect the decisions made at the highest level."

"No African nation should be treated more favourably or advantageously than any other nation on the continent."

"One of the most concerning issues when I took office was the impartiality and respect shown to referees and match supervisors. Although much work has been done, doubts remain because this is a long-standing problem."

Earlier, in this Africa Cup of Nations final held on January 18, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 to win their second title.

However, a very unpleasant and controversial incident occurred in the final moments of regular time.

At the time, Senegalese head coach Pape Thiaw and some national team players protested for 15 minutes after being repeatedly interfered with by Moroccan ball boys and substitutes, after being provided penalty-saving tips by Senegal's coaching staff, as well as being awarded several penalty opportunities in highly controversial manners.

Ultimately, the players and coaching staff returned to the pitch after being persuaded by captain Sadio Mané.

After the match resumed, Brahim Díaz, who plays for Real Madrid, failed to convert a penalty with his Panenka Penalty, which was saved by Edouard Mendy.

Senegal won in extra time thanks to a crucial goal from Pape Gueye.

However, 57 days later, on March 17, 2026, while the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16s matches were being played, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) suddenly stripped Senegal of their title and ruled them a 0-3 defeat in the aforementioned match.

Authorities said they decided to reinvestigate the controversial incident after receiving a complaint from the Moroccan Football Federation.

In the end, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ethics and Disciplinary Committee cited Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Rules, ruling that Senegal's unauthorized departure from the pitch during the match was a violation and considered an "automatic forfeit," thus awarding the championship to the host nation, Morocco.

This statement immediately drew criticism from the Senegalese Football Federation and fans worldwide.

Many fans believe that Senegal was indeed subjected to unfair refereeing decisions on several occasions during the match, leading to a surge in suspicions of corruption within the CAF.

Image source: Internet / The Athletic / AFP