AFCON Controversy: Senegal Flunts Trophy in Paris
Senegal parades AFCON trophy in Paris ahead of Peru friendly, despite CAF stripping them of title. Team appeals to CAS, refuses to return trophy.
“You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods...”
Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France in Paris, ahead of their friendly match against Peru, despite being stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Senegalese team, led by captain Kalidou Coulibaly, took to the pitch with the trophy for a lap of honour after a pre-match concert by Youssou Ndour.
Senegal's captain Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates took to the pitch with the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour, accompanied by the sounds of Youssou Ndour's pre-match concert. They then presented the trophy to Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, in the stadium's presidential box, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy by Koulibaly's side.
This display of defiance comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of their title and awarded it to Morocco, citing Senegal's temporary walk-off during the final. Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco was marred by controversy when Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco. Captain Sadio Mane coaxed his teammates back onto the field, and they went on to win the game 1-0 after Pape Gueye scored in extra time.
Despite their on-field victory, Senegal was later stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded the win to Morocco instead. Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is refusing to return the trophy, with their president Abdoulaye Fall calling the CAF ruling “the most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport.”
Senegal's football federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped them of their Africa Cup of Nations title. The CAF ruled that Senegal's players had broken the rules by leaving the field without the referee's permission during the final against Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation argues that the decision is “the most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport” and is determined to keep the title. They've appointed a team of lawyers, including Seydou Diagne and Juan Perez, to fight their case at CAS.
CAS has confirmed receipt of Senegal's appeal and will conduct arbitration proceedings “as swiftly as possible.” The process is expected to take several months, but Senegal is hoping for a quick resolution.
A crowd of 70,000 was expected for the Senegal vs Peru match at 17:00 CET on Saturday at the Stade de France. Thousands of Senegalese fans, along with some Peruvian supporters, had already filled the stadium by the time the players paraded the AFCON trophy.
Earlier, nearly 200 Senegalese supporters gathered in front of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, playing traditional drums and percussion, before making their way to the Stade de France to show their support.
Bally Bagayoko, the newly elected mayor of Saint-Denis, made a brief appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“Welcome to Saint-Denis,” said the mayor. “I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.
“You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. We have often been discriminated against and looked down upon.
“You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.”
The friendly match against Peru was set to be Senegal's first game since the AFCON final, and it's a big test as they gear up for the World Cup. They're in Group C, facing tough opponents like France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.
Senegal's squad for Saturday's match was almost identical to the one that competed in the AFCON, with stars like Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy leading the charge. They're looking to bounce back from the controversy surrounding their AFCON title.
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