Sadio Mane has branded African football with “too much corruption,” which is “killing the passion of millions,” after CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the Afcon 2025 title.
Senegal, who beat Morocco 1-0 in extra-time in the final on 18th January, are no longer regarded as champions by the Appeals Committee of the continent’s football governing body.
According to the board, the 17-minute walk-off by Senegal during the final, after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, is a breach of the rules governing the tournament.
Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.
As a result, Morocco are declared winners with a 3-0 scoreline over Senegal, for their first title in 50 years.
“What happened has gone too far,” Mane said in a statement released.
“This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in.
“There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.
“I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”
Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation said it would appeal CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.”
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com