Idrissa Gueye on CAF Decision: Senegal Still Champions Despite Morocco Title – and Offer to Return Medals

DAKAR, Senegal – Senegal captain Idrissa Gana Gueye has offered a remarkable gesture of reconciliation, stating his willingness to return the medals awarded to the Senegalese team following their controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory over Morocco. The offer comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result, declaring Morocco the champions due to protests surrounding a disputed penalty decision in the final.

The stunning reversal, announced earlier this month, has sparked outrage in Senegal and raised questions about the integrity of the competition. The initial match, played in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ended in a 1-0 extra-time win for Senegal, but the outcome was immediately clouded by controversy after Moroccan player Brahim Diaz was fouled, leading to a penalty. Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest before returning to see Diaz miss the spot kick, but CAF ultimately ruled in favor of Morocco.

Gueye, currently playing for Everton in the English Premier League, made the statement following Everton’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday. He celebrated a goal scored by teammate Iliman Ndiaye by making a “2” sign with his hands, referencing Senegal’s two AFCON titles – previously recognized as 2021 and 2025. Despite the CAF decision, Gueye remains adamant that Senegal earned their victory on the pitch.

“It’s just ridiculous. A match is won on the field, and that’s what we did against Morocco,” Gueye told Canal+ after the match, as reported by multiple sources. “It’s a shame because the tournament was very well organized there. We deserve to be African champions. For us, we are the African champions, that doesn’t change anything. Titles are won on the field, not in offices.”

A Gesture of Peace

However, recognizing the escalating tensions between the two nations, Gueye went further, offering to personally collect the medals and return them to Morocco if it would help to restore peace. “I personally commit to gathering the medals and returning them to Morocco if it can truly ease tensions between the two countries,” he stated.

The Everton midfielder also expressed his belief that the situation is being exploited to create division within Africa. “This announcement is just a distraction that may be trying to divide Africa. If it were up to me, I would have told the Federation not to appeal,” Gueye added. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has, in fact, appealed the CAF decision, submitting a case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking a resolution.

Idrissa Gana Gueye, born September 26, 1989, in Dakar, Senegal, has been a mainstay in the Senegalese national team since his debut in 2011. He has amassed 129 caps for his country, participating in multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His leadership and experience are highly valued within the squad, making his statement particularly significant.

The CAF’s decision stems from the protests surrounding the penalty awarded to Morocco in extra time. Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest, and the subsequent missed penalty did little to quell the controversy. The ruling has been met with widespread criticism, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the process.

This isn’t the first time Gueye has faced adversity on the international stage. He was part of the Senegal team that reached the 2019 AFCON final, losing to Algeria. He also played a key role in Senegal’s triumphant 2021 AFCON campaign, finally bringing the coveted trophy home. His commitment to his nation remains unwavering, even in the face of this latest setback.

The situation highlights the passionate rivalry between Senegal and Morocco, two of the strongest footballing nations in Africa. The stakes are high, not only in terms of sporting prestige but also national pride. Gueye’s gesture, while symbolic, is a powerful attempt to de-escalate the situation and prioritize the relationship between the two countries.

The appeal to CAS represents Senegal’s last hope of reclaiming the title on sporting grounds. The court’s decision is eagerly awaited by fans across the continent, and the outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of AFCON. The process at CAS could seize several weeks or even months, leaving the situation in limbo for the foreseeable future.

As the legal battle unfolds, Idrissa Gana Gueye’s call for peace serves as a reminder of the unifying power of sport and the importance of maintaining respectful relationships between nations. His willingness to sacrifice a hard-earned medal in the name of reconciliation is a testament to his character and leadership.

What’s Next: The Senegalese Football Federation awaits a hearing date from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. A decision is expected within the next few months. Fans and officials alike will be closely monitoring the proceedings, hoping for a fair and just resolution to this contentious issue.

Archysport will continue to provide updates on this developing story.