Senegal football chief vows to launch ‘crusade’ after Afcon title ‘robbery

The head of Senegal’s football governing body has vowed to launch a “crusade” against the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip the nation of its Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has warned that the controversial ruling could fundamentally alter the landscape of global football and undermine the long-held principle that refereeing decisions are final.

Abdoulaye Fall, president of the FSF, declared: “In the face of this administrative robbery, the FSF refuses fatality. We will fight a moral and legal crusade.”

The FSF’s legal team, representing the ruling body, condemned the CAF decision as “so crude, so absurd, so irrational.”

Lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo Perez stated: “It openly violates the Laws of the Game and the principle that refereeing decisions are final. (If CAS would rule against Senegal), the winners of the next World Cup could be decided in law firms rather than on the pitch.”

The FSF lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

The dispute arose after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the final in Rabat on 18 January. They had walked off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco, though they later returned to score a goal in extra time, winning the game 1-0.

Serge Vittoz, part of the six-lawyer team in Paris, confirmed they are seeking to expedite the CAS process.

“Such a procedure usually last nine to 12 months but we want it to go faster. However, all parties must agree to it,” Vittoz explained.

Despite the CAF ruling, Vittoz maintained that Senegal remains the African champions, arguing that the decision to overturn the result lacked proper explanation.

“To be valid, a decision must be explained. It has not been, so Senegal are still African champions,” he asserted.

Senegal, who have qualified for this year’s World Cup, are set to play Peru in a friendly in Paris on Saturday.

When asked if the trophy would be presented to fans at the Stade de France, Mr Fall cryptically responded: “I’ll see you at the Stade de France on March 28.”