Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has joined the growing chorus of African football figures condemning the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, describing the ruling as fundamentally flawed.
In a sharp critique, Nyamweya questioned the legal basis for overturning a result that was decided on the pitch.
"This is not only an unprecedented but also an exceptionally serious decision based on a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision," he told Flashscore.
The ruling stems from the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
They returned after several minutes, Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing spot kick, and Senegal went on to score in extra time through Pape Gueye to claim what they thought was their second AFCON title.
On March 17, CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal's walkout breached Articles 82 and 84 of tournament regulations, deeming the team had forfeited the match. Morocco were declared 3-0 winners and awarded the trophy.
Nyamweya acknowledged that Senegal players were wrong to walk off but argued that the referee handled the situation within the Laws of the Game, and the match was completed in its entirety.
"Senegal players were at fault for walking out after the referee awarded Morocco what was seen as a questionable penalty deep into added time. However, Senegal went on to score in extra time in full view of the world to win the title. CAF's decision to strip them of the trophy after a complaint from Morocco amounts to daylight robbery."
He warned that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for African football.
"Football must be won on the pitch and not in boardrooms."
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