CAF in Spotlight as Senegal Demands International Investigation

AFCON controversy deepens, Senegal pushes for CAF probe

Senegal's government demands an international investigation into possible corruption within CAF's governing bodies amid the AFCON title dispute with Morocco. Coach Pape Thiaw's military base visit shows determination to fight on.

“After 24 hours have passed since the event was settled, any changes...”

.A British betting company, Sky Bet, has paid out winnings to customers who backed Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the title to Morocco two months after the final. The decision came after Morocco's appeal against Senegal's 1-0 win in the January 18 final was upheld by CAF's Appeal Board, citing Senegal's walk-off protest as a breach of tournament regulations.

The AFCON title change has sparked controversy, with Senegal announcing plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite this, Sky Bet's decision to pay out on Morocco winners reflects the bookmaker's stance on the matter, although other betting companies may handle payouts differently.

Some bookmakers are really showing love to their customers! They're paying out winnings for both Senegal's January win and Morocco's recent victory, effectively recognizing two different winners for the same event. This move is likely a symbolic gesture, as it's unlikely to involve huge sums. Betfair, BetPawa, Betfred, and SkyBet are among those who've taken this approach, with Paddy Power even calling it a “justice payout.”

This unusual move has sparked debate, with some seeing it as a way to maintain customer trust, while others question the logic. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory after Senegal's walk-off protest, citing tournament regulations. Meanwhile, Senegal plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Most betting companies are taking a wait-and-see approach, listing Senegal as the official winner for now. They're waiting for the outcome of Senegal's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Some companies, like Czech betting firm Tipsport, have clear terms and conditions that exclude changes to results after 24 hours. As stated in their rules, “After 24 hours have passed since the event was settled, any changes to the result will not be taken into account for the official outcome.”

Other bookmakers, like Sky Bet, BetPawa, Betfred, and Paddy Power, have already paid out winnings to customers who backed Morocco, citing it as a “justice payout.” In contrast, companies like BetMGM and Kalshi are sticking to their standard policies, honoring bets based on the original result.

🇸🇳 Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has taken the AFCON trophy to a military base today.

It's now secure in a facility under armed guard.

A clear message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that they aren't giving this up.pic.twitter.com/4HDSKP8wQE

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) March 19, 2026

Senegal initially won the Africa Cup of Nations championship, defeating Morocco 1-0 in extra time. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board overturned the result, citing Senegal's walk-off protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco as a breach of tournament regulations. The board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the championship title.

The controversy stems from the final match on January 18, where Senegal players left the pitch for about 15 minutes in protest against a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco. After returning, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to win the match in extra time. CAF's decision has sparked debate, with Senegal announcing plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

🚨 AFCON Settlement 🚨

The result of the 2025 AFCON final has been officially reversed, with Morocco now being crowned winners of the tournament.

We have now paid out on Morocco as winners in the outright market.

— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) March 18, 2026

The Senegalese government is pushing for an international probe into potential corruption within CAF's governing bodies. They're not backing down, and coach Pape Thiaw's visit to a military base symbolizes their determination.

The video of Pape Thiaw's visit to the military base is making rounds, with the implication that the trophy's being kept there for safekeeping, guarded by armed forces. It's a bold statement from Senegal - they're not giving up on their championship claim.