Senegal Forfeits Africa Cup Title, CAF's Controversial Ruling

0:00From Sydney, this is your March 18th update. Senegal's National Soccer Team has lost its Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football ruled they forfeited the final. Against Morocco, the match on January 18th ended with Senegal winning 1-0, but players walked off the field for 16 minutes in protest over a late. Penalty Call leading to a 3-0 forfeit victory for Morocco. CAF's appeals board made the call on Tuesday citing rules that require a forfeit when a team leaves the pitch without referee permission before the game ends. This came nearly two months after the final, turning what seemed like a clean win into a major upset. Senegal's government slammed the decision as unlawful and unjust, urging an independent probe into possible corruption at CAF. They say it undermines fair play and trust in African soccer. Meanwhile, the Senegalese Federation plans to fight it at the court of arbitration for sport in Switzerland.

1:00The drama started when a VAR review penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. Prompting coach Pape Tiaw to tell his players to leave the pitch. They returned, saved the kick, and scored an extra time to win, but the walkoff sealed their fate under the rules. Both sides face penalties too. Senegal's coach got a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while players in the federation were hit with more suspensions and six, $115,000 in fines. Morocco accepted the ruling, but their captain and others drew bans and $315,000 for fan and staff misconduct. This story is shared with support from our sponsor, some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com Made in AI