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The government of Senegal has called for an “independent international investigation into suspected corruption” at the governing body of African football (Caf), following the decision to controversially strip the team of its Africa Cup of Nations title and award the trophy to Morocco.

It comes after the Caf Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in January when their players abandoned the pitch in protest of a late penalty being awarded to their opponents. Senegal went on to win the final against Morocco in extra time, but the tournament hosts have now been awarded a 3-0 victory, two months after the match.

Senegal’s football federation is set to appeal Caf’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, but its government went one step further by demanding an inquiry into Caf, who they accused of making a “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust decision”. The Caf Appeal Board said the decision is in line with its own rules.

Senegal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFP/Getty)

“This unprecedented and exceptionally serious decision directly contradicts the fundamental principles of sporting ethics, foremost among which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game,” a Senegal government spokesperson said. “It stems from a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations.

“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the Caf seriously undermines its own credibility and the legitimate trust that the African people place in continental sporting institutions.

“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession. It calls for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the Caf’s governing bodies.”

According to Afcon regulations, if a team “refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee”, they will be deemed the loser and their opponents will automatically be given a 3-0 win, as per Articles 82 and 84.

CAF has also confirmed it is following its own rules, saying in its statement that Senegal “infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations” and “in application of Article 84 … the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match”.

The Senegalese Football Federation (SFF) said it would now be taking the matter to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn Tuesday’s decision.

Morocco welcomed the verdict in an initial response, which read: “The Federation wishes to recall that its approach has never been intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition’s regulations.

“The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining stability within African competitions. It also wishes to commend all the nations that took part in this edition of the Afcon, which has been a major moment for African football. The Federation will make an official statement tomorrow, after convening its governing bodies.”