Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal Stripped of Title, Morocco Crowned Champions

The CAF appeal jury announced Tuesday evening that it had stripped Senegal of the title won on 18 January. The body declared Morocco the winner and homologated the final score as 3-0.

The 18 January final in Rabat

The match in Rabat turned chaotic in stoppage time of the second half. A goal for Senegal was disallowed and a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Senegal players left the pitch briefly and then returned. Some Senegal supporters attempted a pitch invasion and threw projectiles.

Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. The teams then played extra time and Pape Gueye scored for Senegal. Senegal had been declared the 1-0 winner after extra time on the pitch.

Rules cited by CAF

The appeal jury applied articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. Those rules state a team that refuses to play or leaves the field is considered to have lost and will be eliminated.

The CAF verdict therefore converted the result to a 3-0 forfeit in Morocco’s favor. Parties may file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport within ten days.

Reactions and sanctions

The Moroccan Football Federation said its complaint requested only the application of the competition rules. The federation denied any intent to contest the teams’ sporting performances.

In late January, CAF imposed disciplinary fines on both national federations. The penalties totalled several hundred thousand euros for unsportsmanlike behaviour and breaches of fair-play rules.

Supporters’ legal case

Eighteen Senegalese supporters were arrested after the final and later convicted of hooliganism. They received prison terms ranging from three months to one year.

The appeal hearing originally scheduled for Monday was postponed. The new date for the supporters’ appeal is 30 March.

Filmogaz.com will follow further developments and any CAS proceedings arising from the decision.