AFRICAN LEGENDS ADEPOJU AND MIDO CRITICIZE CAF OVER AFCON TITLE DECISION
In a shocking turn of events, Senegal has been stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declaring Morocco as the new champions. This decision has sparked outrage among former footballers and fans alike, particularly among legendary players Mutiu Adepoju, a former Real Madrid star, and Ahmed Mido, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, who have vocally condemned CAF’s ruling.
The AFCON final witnessed a controversial ending when Senegal defeated the Moroccan hosts 1-0, a match marred by turmoil as Senegal’s players initially refused to continue after a contentious stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco while the game was level. After a lengthy break of more than 15 minutes, the Senegalese players returned to the field, resulting in Brahim Diaz having his penalty saved before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.
However, the outcome of this match has been overturned following a decision from CAF’s appeal board. In an official statement, CAF declared Senegal had “forfeited the final match,” recording a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco. This decision cited Senegal’s conduct as a violation of Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, thereby triggering Article 84.
Mido did not hold back his criticism towards the CAF, labeling their verdict as a “joke” and emphasizing the detrimental impact it has on African football’s reputation. He stated, “This decision to take the title away from Senegal and give it to Morocco is the biggest scandal in the history of football—it will only create division within Africa.” Mido expressed his disappointment not only in CAF’s actions but also in the broader implications it suggests for the continent, likening the ruling to how “the western world” perceives Africa, describing it as a scenario that portrays Africans as “idiots” and a continent plagued by corruption.
Echoing Mido’s sentiments, Adepoju remarked on the timing and validity of CAF’s decision, calling it detrimental to the image of African football. “Such a ruling should have come sooner, not two months after the event. Why such a prolonged delay if the regulations are clear?” he questioned, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.
In a statement of defiance, Senegal has announced plans to appeal the “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision” made by CAF, signaling an ongoing struggle for justice within the realm of African football. As the actions of the governing body continue to be contested, the fallout from this decision is sure to resonate throughout the continent and beyond.
