DAKAR, Senegal (AP) – Morocco wins African Cup of Nations title after governing body referee overrules Senegal’s victory Two months have passed since the chaotic final that shocked soccer fans around the world.
While Moroccans took to the streets to celebrate their team’s belated success, the Confederation of African Football’s decision was met with disbelief in Senegal, with fans and authorities calling it “unjust”.
Senegal’s government said on Wednesday it would pursue “all appropriate legal avenues” to reverse the decision and called for an international investigation into “allegations of corruption” within African football’s governing body.
CAF’s appeals committee on Tuesday Senegal was ruled out of the final. Morocco were awarded a 3-0 bye for leaving the field without permission from the referee.
After Senegal’s goal was canceled, most of the Senegalese team left for about 10 minutes while Senegalese fans scuffled with the stewards behind the goal in protest of Morocco’s controversial penalty decision. The players returned and Morocco missed the penalty. Senegal scores in extra time to win.
Here’s what you need to know about the controversy surrounding the decision to overturn Senegal’s victory.
The conflict goes beyond soccer
Morocco and Senegal have long shared close ties based on religion, trade and culture. Tijaniyyah, a Sufi Islamic sect, is widely practiced in both countries. Moroccan banks and companies have invested heavily in Senegal’s financial and agricultural sectors. Cultural exchanges include student programs, immigration, joint festivals, etc.
But tensions over the final and the CAF Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn Senegal’s victory have strained relations between the two countries.
Last month, 19 Senegalese fans arrested on suspicion of hooliganism during the final match were sentenced to the following prison terms: Up to 1 year imprisonment by a Moroccan court. The Senegalese government expressed solidarity with Senegalese supporters.
Seydina Issa Rayet Diop, president of the Senegalese national team’s fan group 12th Gaindé, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the incident should not damage relations between Senegal and Morocco.
“However, there are limits. If things continue as they are, the pride of the Senegalese people may be affected to some extent,” Diop said. “If the goal is to maintain friendships, they must be nurtured. Small gestures can have a big impact. These can be overcome, especially since during the trial there were no solid arguments justifying the continued detention of these supporters.”
Mariama Ndeyeh, a student in Senegal’s capital Dakar, said the decision had a negative impact on her view of Moroccans.
“When everything is going well, they call us brothers. But when things are not going well, they start being mean,” Ndaye said.
The Moroccan embassy in Dakar called on Moroccans in Senegal on Wednesday to “show restraint, vigilance and responsibility.”
“Under no circumstances is it important to remember that this is just a game and the outcome should in no way justify any escalation or over-the-top rhetoric between the brothers,” the embassy said.
In Casablanca, consumer electronics business owner Ismail Funani said it felt like other African countries were rooting for Morocco in the final.
“Honestly, after this, my view of Senegalese and sub-Saharan Africans changed,” he said. “We used to feel pity for them and help them because they were immigrants who had a hard time getting here. There used to be pity and pity, but now I’m going to treat them as they have treated us.”
Mohamed El Arabi, who works at a grocery store in Casablanca, said he was not celebrating the decision to give Morocco the title.
“I wanted him to stay on the Senegalese side because otherwise I don’t think it would be appropriate,” El Arabi said.
“The people here are starting to hate the Senegalese. They no longer provide aid to the Senegalese. Especially since they are Muslims like us, we were like brothers, but now that is not the case,” he added.
Accusations of favoritism within CAF
The Senegalese government’s allegations of “alleged corruption” at CAF followed outrage over bias against Morocco. 2030 world cup Co-sponsor and major investor To become a soccer powerhouse.
On Wednesday, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said: protected the body Opposed to favorable perceptions of Morocco.
“No single country will be treated more favorably, favorably or favorably than any other country on the African continent,” Motsepe said. Video published on CAF website.
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