Senegal government seeks corruption probe after CAF takes away AFCON title and awards it to Morocco

CAF decided to award the title to Morocco, taking it away from Senegal. The reasons cited were regulations about leaving the field in the final.

Published on: Mar 18, 2026, 20:49:40 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The Senegal government have called for an independent international investigation after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to strip its Africa Cup of Nations title and controversially awarded it to Mexico.

The Senegal government criticised CAF's decision to strip their AFCON trophy. (AFP)

The controversy stems from the chaotic incident in the final's second-half stoppage time, when Morocco were awarded a penalty with the scoreline at 0-0. In reaction, many Senegal players walked off the pitch, protesting the referee's decision.

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After a lengthy absence, Sadio Mane managed to convince his teammates to return, followed by Brahim Diaz missing the penalty. Then Pape Gueye scored the winner in extra time, as Senegal clinched a 1-0 victory.

Fast forward to Tuesday this week, and the CAF decided to award the title to Morocco, taking it away from Senegal. The reasons cited were regulations about leaving the field.

Senegal government's statement

In a statement, government spokeswoman Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye said, "By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the CAF seriously undermines its own credibility."

"Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession", she said, while calling for "an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the CAF's governing bodies".

She also revealed that Senegal would pursue all legal avenues. "Senegal will pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including before the competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and that the primacy of sporting results is restored", she said.

Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation's secretary-general asked CAF to suspend following up on the decision until a final arbitration ruling.

During the walk-off, several Senegal players were led off the field by coach Pape Thiaw for 15 minutes. It also led to fans trying to storm the field.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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