Senegal defiantly parades disputed Africa Cup of Nations trophy in bold protest
Senegal's national football team has defiantly showcased the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in a public display, despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripping them of the title. The move follows months of controversy after the team walked off the pitch during the final in January 2024, protesting a refereeing decision.
Last week, the CAF ruled the match a forfeit loss for Senegal, handing the victory to Morocco instead. The dispute began in January 2024 when Senegal initially won the Africa Cup of Nations final but abandoned the game in protest. FIFA did not intervene, as the matter fell under CAF jurisdiction. The CAF later issued warnings to both Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire for unsportsmanlike conduct but took no further action until last week's ruling.
On Sunday, Senegal's players took the trophy on a lap of honour at the Stade de France before placing it on the podium. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stood beside federation president Abdoulaye Fall during the ceremony. Fall condemned the CAF's decision, calling it 'an administrative heist—the greatest in the history of our sport'. He also vowed resistance, declaring, 'Senegal refuses to accept this as a done deal.'
The final ruling now lies with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This was Senegal's first match since the disputed final, marking their continued defiance against the CAF's verdict. The trophy display signals Senegal's refusal to accept the CAF's ruling. With the case now before CAS, the outcome will determine whether Morocco retains the title or Senegal reclaims it. No further disciplinary steps have been announced since the initial warnings in 2024.
