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Senegal AFCON Title Dispute: Gueye Reacts as CAF Strips Trophy, CAS Appeal Follows

Senegal AFCON Title Dispute: Gueye Reacts as CAF Strips Trophy, CAS Appeal Follows

By Elizabeth Ugbo

Last week, CAF stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title after a disciplinary ruling.
The decision followed a Morocco Football Federation appeal and player walk-off incident.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and coach Pape Thiaw responded ahead of Senegal’s friendly against Peru in Paris.
The case now moves to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.


Gueye Says Senegal “Earned It on the Pitch”

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye said Senegal will not surrender their legacy easily.
He said he would “hand back medals” only to reduce tension between both nations.
Gueye stressed that Senegal earned their AFCON success through hard work and unity.
He also highlighted Senegal’s strong recent record in continental football.

“We didn’t steal those results,” Gueye said.
He added that national effort powered their success across multiple tournaments.


CAF Decision Sparks Morocco Title Recognition

CAF ruled against Senegal after upholding Morocco’s appeal.
Officials said Senegal violated tournament regulations during the final.
The ruling overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win in Rabat.
It awarded Morocco the AFCON title instead.

The controversy escalated after players walked off in protest.
The match also faced interruptions and crowd tension.
Morocco benefited after a penalty incident earlier in the game.


CAS Appeal Adds New Twist

Senegal quickly appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The appeal aims to restore their original title win.
Officials in Dakar insist the trophy belongs to Senegal on merit.
The legal process in Switzerland will determine the final outcome.


Thiaw Stays Focused Ahead of Peru Friendly

Coach Pape Thiaw urged calm despite the ongoing dispute.
He said trophies must be decided on the pitch, not in offices.
Thiaw spoke in Paris before Senegal’s friendly against Peru.
He warned players not to lose focus during preparations.

Senegal continue World Cup build-up despite off-field controversy.
They will face strong group-stage opponents in the United States.


Match Context and Ongoing Tensions

The disputed final took place in Rabat in January.
Senegal initially won 1-0 after extra time.
However, protests disrupted the closing stages of normal time.
The situation triggered disciplinary action and review.

Supporters also reacted strongly during the chaotic moments.
Officials later reviewed match conduct and regulations.


Conclusion

Senegal now balances legal battle and international preparation.
Gueye defends the team’s legacy strongly.
CAF’s ruling and CAS appeal keep the controversy alive.
Attention now shifts to Peru friendly and World Cup preparations.

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