The controversy over the recent resolution of the African Cup of Nations added an unusual scene. The Senegalese coach, Pape Thiaw, appeared at a military base holding the trophy, surrounded by armed forces, in what was interpreted as a sign of resistance following the resolution of the African Football Confederation
(CAF).
The video, released on social networks, shows the coach, who had been suspended five games after incidents in the final of the tournament, together with the cup in a high-security facility, where the trophy was moved to prevent it from being removed from the country. The move comes after CAF took away the title from Senegal and declared Morocco champion for an alleged regulatory violation
in the final.
The origin of the controversy
The episode that triggered the conflict occurred in the final minutes of the final, when a penalty sanctioned in favor of Morocco generated a protest from the Senegalese squad and their subsequent momentary withdrawal from the field. After a few minutes, the match resumed, the penalty was saved, and Senegal ended up winning the scoreboard later, thus giving it the continental title
.
However, two months after the final, a CAF ruling reversed the sporting result that had favored Senegal in the extension and gave up the match 3-0, making Morocco champion. According to the resolution, Senegal violated articles 82 and 84 of the regulations, labeling the episode as "administrative inappearance
”. CAF decided to take Senegal out of the African Cup of Nations
After confirming the decision, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed that it will appeal the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), in Lausanne, with the aim of reversing the decision and restoring the result obtained
on the court.
“Senegal will legitimately defend this star, earned on the pitch with the talent of our players,” said the president of the entity, Abdoulaye Fall. “The Senegalese Football Federation will exhaust all the institutional, diplomatic and legal resources at its disposal to defend its rights and guarantee sports equity,” added the
leader.
As the appeal progresses, the trophy remains under strict military surveillance in Dakar, in a decision that reflects the magnitude of the conflict and the tension that African football is experiencing.
