Mendy Condemns CAF Decision Stripping Senegal of AFCON Title
Rabat, Morocco – The fallout from the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) stunning decision to overturn Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory continues, with prominent voices within the Senegalese squad expressing outrage and frustration. CAF awarded the title to Morocco on March 17, 2026, citing the conduct of Senegalese players during the final match played earlier this year. The decision, made by the CAF Appeal Board, has sparked a legal battle and widespread condemnation, even as Senegal celebrated what they consider their rightful championship with a parade at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in a thrilling extra time finish to claim the AFCON title in January 2026, a victory initially celebrated across the nation. However, the CAF’s subsequent ruling, which retroactively awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, has thrown the legitimacy of the tournament into question. The decision stems from incidents during the final, though specific details of the alleged misconduct remain a point of contention.
Mendy’s Scathing Critique
Following Senegal’s 2-0 friendly win over Peru at the Stade de France this past Saturday, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy delivered a blistering assessment of CAF’s handling of the situation. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Mendy didn’t hold back his criticism, arguing that the governing body is failing to preserve pace with the growth of African football. “We have a misunderstanding, with this instance of CAF, we are used to it, unfortunately we have an instance that moves slower than football,” Mendy stated. “People talk about winners or losers, I think the only loser is football and Africa and the only responsible party is CAF.”
Mendy, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, further emphasized the need for stronger leadership within African football. “Football as a whole in Africa is moving faster than its institutions,” he continued. “African football deserves better leaders. It’s up to the actors of football to take responsibility and do everything possible to have institutions as solid as our football.”
The goalkeeper’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within Senegal that CAF’s decision was unjust and politically motivated. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has reportedly launched its own legal challenge to the ruling, and the team’s decision to celebrate their victory at the Stade de France was seen as a defiant act of solidarity.
Legal Battles Continue
The dispute isn’t confined to the pitch. According to reports from L’Équipe, the Moroccan Club of Lawyers has dispatched a court commissioner to the Stade de France to observe Senegal’s celebrations, intending to document any displays of championship claims. The resulting report will be submitted to FIFA, escalating the legal pressure on Senegal.
This move underscores Morocco’s determination to enforce CAF’s decision and solidify its claim to the 2025 AFCON title. The situation highlights a broader concern about governance and transparency within African football, with many questioning the CAF’s decision-making processes and its responsiveness to the needs of its member associations.
The CAF Appeal Board, in its official statement released on March 17, 2026, cited Article 84 of the AFCON regulations as justification for stripping Senegal of the title. The board found that Senegal’s conduct fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84, leading to the forfeiture of the final match and a 3-0 victory awarded to Morocco. The full details of the alleged infractions remain a subject of debate, but the CAF maintains that its decision was based on a thorough review of the evidence.
What’s Next?
The immediate future remains uncertain. Senegal is expected to continue its legal fight to overturn the CAF’s ruling, while Morocco will likely push for FIFA’s recognition of its claim to the title. The situation could potentially lead to further sanctions or even suspension for Senegal if the dispute isn’t resolved amicably.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the controversy raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the AFCON and the role of CAF in upholding fair play and sporting justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing African football and the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within its governing bodies. The next step will be closely watched by football fans across the continent and around the world, as the saga continues to unfold.
Senegal’s next scheduled match is a friendly against Brazil on June 15, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal. That match will undoubtedly be shadowed by the ongoing dispute with CAF, and it remains to be seen whether the Senegalese team will continue to protest the decision.
