El Hadji Malick Diouf, Yehvann Diouf gutted by CAF’s AFCON ruling

The Confederation of African Football’s decision to declare Senegal losers and strip them off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy has generated massive debate and reactions from the West African nation and the world.

Former internationals alongside veteran coaches have expressed mixed feelings about the decision to award host nation Morocco 3-0 victors of the tournament following a ruling by CAF’s appeal body.

Senegal beat Morocco in extra-time to clinch title

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in 120 minutes but the finals was marred by extra-time stoppage after some Teranga Lions’ players walked into the dressing room in protest of an earlier penalty awarded to Morocco which Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz eventually wasted.

The Africa football mother body, CAF, excised articles 82 and 84 of the rules and decided to uphold the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), a decision that has caused uproar among Senegal players.

West Ham United left-back, El Hadji Malick Diouf who played five matches for the 2021 Champions, shared his thoughts on the issue.

Senegal Football Federation have decided to appeal the case

“This trophy is won on the pitch, but not by email, good night,” El Hadji Malick Diouf posted on social media.

Assistant goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf who was seen tussling with Moroccan ball boys for the towel of number one Edouard Mendy, shared a terse message on social media.

“In the eyes of the whole world.” Yehvann Diouf posted on social media.

Senegal Football Federation to appeal case at CAS

Senegal have decided to head to the Court of Arbitration for Sports [CAS] to appeal the case.

Part of Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) statement condemning this decision read.

“To defend the rights and interests of Senegalese football, the federation announces it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, with an emergency procedure to be initiated as soon as possible,” read part of the statement.”

Midfielder Ismaël Saibari who was found guilty of “unsportsmanlike” conduct in violation of articles 82 and 83(1) of the disciplinary code, had a reduced sanction of a two-match suspension in CAF competitions, one of which was suspended. The $100,000 fine imposed on him, however, was overturned.

The CAF’s decision does not entirely absolve the Moroccan federation. It is found responsible for the ball boys’ behavior during the match. However, the fine related to this incident has been reduced to $50,000.

The $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area is upheld. Regarding the laser incident, the CAF has decided to reduce the penalty to $10,000.