Diomansy Kamara hits out at CAF, warns about future of African football

Former Senegalese international Diomansy Kamara has spoken out following the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.

In a dramatic turn of events, the appeals committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) delivered its verdict regarding the disputes surrounding the final. Senegal were ruled to have lost by forfeit, granting the host nation an administrative victory and the title.

Citing articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, the authorities determined that the conduct of the Senegal national team warranted a severe penalty. In a message posted on his Instagram story, Kamara questioned the verdict, as well as the credibility of African football’s governing bodies.

Credibility of African football being tested

“Morocco, African champions?? Really?? So, they can release our fans now? Please put them on the first plane tomorrow morning…” he declared.

“No one will take away our trophy and our dignity. It is the entire credibility of African football that is being tested today. It’s not just one team or one country that is involved.

“It’s the credibility of our entire football system that is being questioned. Who will take us seriously if we don’t protect the integrity of our own competitions?”

Former Senegal international Omar Daf said: ““I’m very surprised. After several weeks, there was no longer any debate. It was a final between the two best teams in the tournament, won by Senegal.

“Like everyone else, that was the first thing that surprised me. In fact, it’s completely incomprehensible. All of this doesn’t give a good image of football in general, not just African football.

“This decision should have been made immediately, or in the hours that followed. Now it’s too late! Senegal celebrated, the people celebrated too, the players went to the Presidential Palace…”

As a direct consequence, Senegal were declared to have forfeited the final. Thus, the official score will be recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco.