HOT: Senegal makes shocking decision regarding Africa Cup return

Senegal has firmly refused to return the AFCON championship trophy and medals, and stated that it will never consider doing so in the future.

Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) surprised everyone by making an unprecedented decision: to reverse the result of the AFCON final and award Morocco a 3-0 victory, even though this team had lost to Senegal 58 days earlier.

After that incident, tensions continued to escalate. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) reacted strongly with an angry statement. In the announcement, FSF stated: “The Senegal Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, as it damages the reputation of African football.”

The federation also confirmed that it will quickly initiate an appeal process to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne to protect its rights as well as those of Senegalese football.

FSF Secretary General, Abdoulaye Sow, emphasized that the trophy will not leave Senegal. He told the newspaper Le Soleil: “CAF has become rotten, and the reactions from around the world following this decision show immense outrage.”

He said the FSF president is discussing with relevant parties and affirmed that the battle is not over.

“I want to reassure the Senegalese people that we have a justified case. The trophy will not leave this country,” Sow said.

Besides reversing the final match result, CAF also made other decisions related to penalties from the match.

Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari's previous penalty was canceled and his suspension was reduced. The appeal regarding the behavior of ball boys was partially accepted and the fine was also reduced.

Meanwhile, Morocco's appeal about interference in the VAR area was rejected, and the $100,000 fine remained unchanged.

Senegal players reacted defiantly to this ruling. Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra and Rayo Vallecano's Pathe Ciss both posted photos with the trophy.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye wrote on Instagram: “The title, trophy, medals… all will eventually fade. The most important thing is that every supporter can return home safely to their family.”

He also emphasized that the Senegalese people have shown their dignity both in victory and when facing difficulties.

West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf also posted a message: “The trophy was won on the pitch, not via email. Good night.”