Marcelino Garcia shocked by CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of title

Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has added his voice to the controversy surrounding the Confederation of Africa Football’s decision to strip the 2025 AFCON title from Senegal.

CAF activated articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s rule, declaring Senegal losers of the final in January against hosts Morocco by 3-0.

Senegal walked off the pitch in extra time before returning to complete the game where Pape Gueye’s late strike won the tournament after Brahim Diaz had squandered from the spot to put Morocco ahead.

CAF’s ruling stated that, Senegal had forfeited the match due to those actions but the decision has not gone down well globally.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the Villarreal coach, whose club includes Senegalese international Pape Gueye, was questioned about the CAF’s scandalous decision to strip Senegal of the trophy. The Spanish manager expressed his bewilderment.

Senegal beat Morocco to win the tournament

“It’s something we found out about yesterday, and the first thing I did this morning was arrive, change, and come here (to the press conference).

“So, I didn’t have time to speak to him (Pape Gueye). But I imagine everything will be sorted out. It would be the first time we’ve won something on the pitch and had it taken away from us like that, overnight.

“It seems illogical to me. It had been decided to continue the match, then a team won, and I believe Senegal are the African champions.” This kind of situation where someone shows up in the offices and takes away a title to give it to someone else… does that really happen? I don’t think so.

“So, the logic is that everything falls into place: the one who wins, the one who deserved to win on the field, and who won, I don’t know how many months later (two months), we’re going to take away their title?

“I don’t really understand what this sport represents, nor the logic associated with it.

The Senegal Football Federation has indicated that they would appeal the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sports.