Senegal have sensationally been stripped of the AFCON title, with final opponents Morocco handed the trophy.
The Confederation of African Football appeal board have taken the unprecedented action after Senegal’s players walked off the field in protest following a decision to hand their hosts a penalty in the decider, on January 18.
Amid tumultuous scenes, the penalty was subsequently missed when Senegal returned to the field and they went on to win 1-0.
However, in an unprecedented ruling 58 days later, Morocco have now been handed the game 3-0 after an appeal, and the title with it.
A spokesperson for CAF said their appeal board decided that ‘the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final’.
They added that an appeal from Morocco was ‘admissible and upheld’ after Senegal’s behaviour ‘infringed Article 82’ of its regulations.
A series of further fines relating to the match were also issued.
In the 98th minute of the game in Rabat Senegal’s players made their exit in protest at an earlier goal and the awarding of the later penalty. They were off for around 17 minutes as chaos unfolded with Senegal fans attempting to invade the pitch.
Players from Senegal and Morocco clashed after the penalty award before Senegal walked off
Senegal fans clashed with security in Rabat after the controversial late call
Senegal eventually returned after being persuaded by former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane to come back on.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz took the penalty which was saved by former Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy and the game went into extra-time – where Senegal triumphed thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye to give them what they thought was their second Afcon title in five years.
However, Morocco appealed and in a stunning decision CAF have taken the extraordinary step.
A fine for Morocco’s Ismael Saibari was dismissed, and he also had a suspension reduced. An appeal against a fine for the behaviour of ballboys was partially upheld, with the amount being reduced.
Morocco’s appeal against interference in the VAR area was dismissed with a $100,000 fine confirmed.
In a statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation said: [We] have taken note of the decision issued by the CAF Appeals Committee.
‘The Federation wishes to recall that its approach has never been intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition’s regulations.
‘The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining stability within African competitions.
‘It also wishes to commend all the nations that took part in this edition of the AFCON, which has been a major moment for African football. ‘
