The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to return the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy and threatens to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) extraordinary stripped them of the title 58 days after the controversial final against Morocco. In an unprecedented decision, CAF awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit, taking away the title that Senegal won on the field. This decision came after a Moroccan protest following a chaotic final, in which Senegal left the pitch in protest against a penalty – which Brahim Díaz later missed – before returning to win 1-0 in extra time. Senegal reacted vehemently, calling the decision 'unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable.' In a statement, the federation said the measure 'discredits African football' and announced it would proceed with an appeal 'to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football.' Abdoulaye Sow, FSF Secretary-General, went further in his statements to the newspaper Le Soleil, assuring that the trophy will not leave the country. 'The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is corrupt, and the global reactions following this decision confirm total outrage,' he stated, adding: 'I want to reassure all Senegalese. Senegal has the right and the victory on its side. The trophy will not leave the country.' The investigation by CAF was initiated after an official complaint from the Moroccan federation. The organization stated that 'the Senegalese national team lost the final by default, with the result officially recorded as 3-0 in favor of Morocco.' CAF justified the decision by stating that Senegal's behavior 'violated Article 82' of its regulations and that Morocco's appeal was 'admissible and accepted.' Recall that the final, held in Rabat, descended into chaos in the 98th minute when Senegalese players left the field in protest against the awarding of a penalty. The interruption lasted about 17 minutes, during which Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch. The team eventually returned to the game, allegedly persuaded by Sadio Mané. During the penalty, Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz's shot, leading the game into extra time, where a goal from Pape Gueye secured victory for Senegal. The reaction from Senegalese players was swift. Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton wrote on Instagram: 'Titles, trophies, medals… all of this is temporary. What really matters is that every fan can go home and find their family. The Senegalese people showed what they are: dignified in victory, dignified in adversity.' Other players, such as Habib Diarra (Sunderland) and Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), posted pictures with the trophy. El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham was direct: 'The trophy is won on the field, not by email. Good night.' Meanwhile, the Moroccan Football Federation issued a statement acknowledging the decision and reiterated that its intention 'was never to contest the sporting performance of the teams,' but rather 'to request the application of the competition regulations.' The Moroccan federation also reaffirmed its 'commitment to respecting the rules' and praised all participating nations. In addition to losing the title, CAF imposed other sanctions, although it annulled a fine and reduced a suspension for Moroccan player Ismael Saibari. However, a fine of 90,000 euros to Morocco for interference in the VAR area was confirmed.
Senegal Refuses Return AFCON Trophy remains central to this story.
Senegal Refuses Return AFCON Trophy remains central to this story.
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