Mendy Accuses CAF of Damaging African Football Amidst Ongoing AFCON Dispute

Diamniadio, Senegal – Edouard Mendy, Senegal’s national team goalkeeper, has launched a scathing critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing the governing body of undermining the progress of African football. The outspoken comments come as the dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title continues, with Senegal maintaining their claim despite a controversial ruling awarding the championship to Morocco. Mendy’s frustration, voiced ahead of a friendly match against Gambia on Tuesday, reflects a growing discontent among players and fans regarding CAF’s administrative decisions.

A Bitter Dispute Over the 2025 AFCON Title

The controversy stems from a decision by CAF’s appeals jury to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final. The ruling, made months after the tournament concluded, awarded Morocco a default win, citing issues related to the match officials and events during the final in Rabat. Senegal has vehemently contested the decision, appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the ruling. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Senegalese team celebrated their perceived victory at the Stade de France on Saturday during a friendly against Peru, a defiant gesture against CAF’s decision.

“CAF Doesn’t Meet Expectations”

Speaking to the media before the Gambia match, Mendy didn’t hold back his criticism. “I reckon unfortunately it has become commonplace in our continent that CAF does not meet expectations,” he stated, as reported by RMC Sport and echoed in French media. “And unfortunately, as I said, it is African football that suffers.” Mendy elaborated, arguing that the administrative failings within CAF are actively damaging the reputation of the sport on the continent. He pointed to the increasing presence of African players in top clubs worldwide, winning trophies and representing the continent at the highest level, but lamented that these achievements are being undermined by the actions of a few within the governing body.

A Lack of Professional Standards

The Al-Ahli goalkeeper argued that a lack of professional standards is preventing African football from gaining the global recognition it deserves. “When I said that African football is moving faster than the governing bodies, it is due to the fact that today you witness African players in the best clubs in the world, winning trophies, representing the continent and the best that is done here,” Mendy explained. “But by a handful of people, this work is damaged.” He believes that the current state of affairs hinders the tournament’s ability to achieve the acclaim it warrants on the international stage.

Concerns Extend Beyond the AFCON Final

Mendy’s criticism isn’t solely focused on the recent AFCON final decision. He previously hinted at his displeasure following the match against Peru, suggesting that CAF was lagging behind the progress of the sport itself. This latest outburst is a clear escalation of his concerns, signaling a deep-seated frustration with the direction of African football governance. The goalkeeper’s comments likewise touched upon the recent postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, initially scheduled for Morocco, which was delayed by four months just twelve days before the opening match. He used this as another example of the disorganization plaguing the confederation.

“Things That Wouldn’t Happen in Other Confederations”

Mendy didn’t shy away from comparing CAF to other continental governing bodies. “Today we can’t have the respect that the Euro or the Copa America bring, because we don’t have solid institutions that put our competition at the level it should be,” he stated. He further emphasized that a critical self-assessment of CAF’s internal structures is needed. “On se plaint de beaucoup de choses, que la CAN n’a pas le rang qu’elle mériterait, mais je pense qu’il faudrait commencer par faire notre autocritique et l’évaluation de nos instances. Il se passe des choses qui ne se passeraient pas dans d’autres confédérations,” Mendy added, highlighting a perceived double standard in the application of standards.

CAS Appeal and CAF’s Response

The Senegalese Football Federation has formally lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking to overturn CAF’s decision and reinstate Senegal as the 2025 AFCON champions. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has stated that the confederation will respect the CAS ruling, leaving the final determination of the championship title in the hands of the independent arbitration body. The outcome of the CAS hearing is eagerly awaited by fans and stakeholders across the continent.

What’s Next for Senegal?

Senegal will face Gambia in a friendly match on Tuesday evening at the Stade de Diamniadio in Senegal (21:00 local time / 19:00 UTC). This match provides an opportunity for the Lions of Teranga to showcase their talent and unity despite the ongoing controversy. The team will undoubtedly be motivated to perform well, both to honor their on-field achievements and to demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity. The result of the CAS appeal is expected in the coming weeks, and will ultimately determine the official outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The situation underscores a critical moment for African football, raising questions about governance, transparency, and the require for reform within CAF. Mendy’s courageous stance has ignited a wider conversation about the future of the sport on the continent, and the need for a governing body that truly supports and elevates the game.