In an update published by Punch Newspapers, the African football community has been thrown into turmoil following a controversial decision by CAF to award the 2026 AFCON title to Morocco despite Senegal’s victory on the pitch. The ruling reportedly stems from a disciplinary dispute regarding the eligibility of a Senegalese player, leading to a “walk-over” ruling in the final game’s aftermath.
Fans across the continent have taken to social media to protest the decision, with many calling it a “dark day for African football.” Senegal has already filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), while the Moroccan federation has maintained they were merely following CAF’s established statutes.
Vanguard described the situation as “unprecedented chaos,” while Daily Post quoted a football analyst saying, “The credibility of the continental body is currently hanging by a thread.”
Echotitbits take: This administrative blunder could have long-term consequences for CAF’s leadership. Watch for the CAS ruling, which will likely be the final word on this sporting scandal.
Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/afcon-global-outrage-as-caf-hands-senegals-cup-to-morocco/, March 22, 2026
Photo credit: Punch
