Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye has offered to return the medals he and his teammates earned after winning the Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, following a controversial decision that awarded the trophy to the Atlas Lions on paper despite their loss on the pitch. The offer comes as tensions escalate between the two nations over a ruling that has sparked widespread debate in African football.
Speaking to Canal Plus on Saturday evening after his club Everton defeated Chelsea 3-0 in the English Premier League, Gueye stated his willingness to collect and potentially return the Africa Cup of Nations medals to ease diplomatic strain. The midfielder, who wore the captain’s armband for Senegal in the final as a replacement for suspended defender Kalidou Koulibaly, expressed his frustration with the administrative decision.
Africa Cup of Nations Final Controversy Deepens
The controversy stems from the Africa Cup of Nations final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal’s Lions of Teranga defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, two months after the match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee declared Senegal as having “withdrawn from the final” and awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory on paper.
According to Gueye, the decision is “ridiculous” and undermines the fundamental principle that football matches are decided on the field. “We did what was necessary on the pitch, we won that match. We deserve to be African champions, and we are African champions for us,” he emphasized during the interview.
Chaotic Scenes at Final Match
The final was marred by dramatic incidents that occurred late in regulation time. Several Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a penalty in stoppage time following a VAR review, with the score still locked at 0-0.
Additionally, play was suspended for approximately fifteen minutes due to chaos and tension in the stadium. Senegalese fans threw projectiles and attempted to invade the pitch during the disruption. Moroccan striker Ibrahim Diaz ultimately missed the penalty kick, and Senegal went on to secure victory through a goal by Pape Gueye in extra time.
Morocco Takes Case to Sports Arbitration Court
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Football Federation has announced its intention to appeal the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, the highest judicial body in sports. The federation is seeking to overturn the result and claim the continental title through legal channels rather than athletic competition.
In contrast to his federation’s likely approach, Gueye stated he personally would have advised against pursuing an appeal. “If it were up to me, I would have told the federation not to file an appeal,” he said, emphasizing that titles should be won on the field rather than in offices.
Diplomatic Implications of Football Dispute
The dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations final has transcended sports, creating diplomatic tensions between Senegal and Morocco. Gueye’s unprecedented offer to return the medals represents an attempt to defuse the situation, though it remains unclear whether such a gesture would satisfy Moroccan authorities or resolve the underlying controversy.
However, the midfielder’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among players that sporting decisions should remain within the realm of athletic competition. His assertion that “titles are won on the field, not in offices” has resonated with many football fans across Africa who view the administrative intervention as setting a troubling precedent.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to review Morocco’s appeal in the coming months, though no specific timeline has been announced. The final ruling will determine whether Senegal retains its continental championship or whether the title will be awarded to Morocco through administrative channels, potentially reshaping how disciplinary matters are handled in African football competitions.
