CAF Takes Action: Senegalese Official Removed From Committee After AFCON Final Dispute
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly taken decisive administrative action by removing a high-ranking Senegalese official from a crucial committee in the aftermath of the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. This development follows the Moroccan Football Federation's formal protest to both FIFA and CAF demanding that Senegal be stripped of the championship trophy.
Morocco's Formal Protest and Senegal's Walkout Incident
The controversy stems from the dramatic final match in Rabat, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch during extra time. The incident occurred when head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field after the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty in the 90+7th minute for a foul on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz.
According to tournament reports, the Teranga Lions returned to play more than fifteen minutes later following appeals led by Liverpool legend Sadio Mane. Diaz subsequently missed the penalty kick, and Senegal scored the decisive winning goal in the 94th minute through midfielder Pape Gueye.
Regulatory Basis for Morocco's Challenge
The Moroccan Football Federation has based its formal protest on Article 82 of the CAF competition regulations, which explicitly states that any team withdrawing from a match is deemed to have lost that encounter. The host nation argues that Senegal's temporary walkout constituted a withdrawal under the continental tournament rules, thereby invalidating their victory.
CAF's Administrative Response and Committee Changes
In response to the escalating controversy, CAF has reportedly removed Ousmane Kane, President of the Disciplinary Committee, from all proceedings related to the protest. Kane, who is Senegalese, has been sidelined to avoid any potential conflict of interest since the disciplinary review directly involves his home country's national team.
The Vice President of the committee, Jane Njeri Onyango, is expected to oversee the disciplinary process instead. This administrative move is widely viewed as crucial for maintaining the integrity and impartiality of African football governance during this sensitive investigation.
Wider Implications for African Football Governance
The African football governing body appears determined to avoid prolonged uncertainty surrounding the championship result while ensuring consistent application of its disciplinary framework, particularly for high-profile matches. CAF has reiterated its firm stance against any actions that disrupt matches, especially conduct directed at match officials or tournament administrators.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in African football administration and the delicate balance required when national interests intersect with continental governance structures. The disciplinary committee's decision will set an important precedent for how similar situations are handled in future tournaments.
Senegal's Presidential Recognition and Fan Reactions
Meanwhile in Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has rewarded the victorious Teranga Lions with substantial bonuses exceeding €110,000 per player, along with 1,500 square-meter plots of coastal land. The president praised the team's heroism and the quality of football they displayed throughout the tournament.
On social media platforms, Senegalese fans have expressed mixed reactions to Kane's removal from the committee. Some supporters view the action as another example of administrative corruption in African football, while others believe Senegal's championship victory remains legitimate regardless of procedural challenges.
One fan commented on the perceived desperation behind the protest, while another emphasized that the trophy currently resides in Dakar regardless of ongoing proceedings. The passionate responses reflect the deep emotional investment African football supporters have in continental competitions.
