AFCON chaos: Will Senegal keep the trophy?
🎧 Listen to the full episode on The Athletic FC Podcast
CAF overturning AFCON result
Fifty-seven days after the final, CAF reversed the result and declared Morocco the real winners. I think reading the statement initially, you kind of have to read it a few times before you really realise what has happened.
AFCON final officiating
The VAR came into play for Morocco and it didn't for Senegal in a moment where people couldn't actually see the footage as well. This all fed this idea that it was favourably leading towards Morocco.
AFCON governance
The football on the pitch made by the African footballers is going faster than these people in the offices.
CAF credibility
The decision that has been reached is not good for the image of CAF and the governance of African football. You can't have a final that has been decided and five or six weeks later say, well actually, that never happened.
Senegal AFCON trophy parade
It was one of those slightly unbelievable moments where you think, wow, they've really just gone and done that. It was a really defiant moment.
Legal challenge to AFCON result
The IFAB laws do overrule the CAF statutes and the CAF handbook. Once a referee's decision has been made, you can't retrospectively make some sort of appeal.
AFCON trophy dispute
I would feel ashamed to win like this. It wouldn't feel right. You have to earn it on the pitch.
AFCON refereeing controversy
It's the first time I actually think that conspiracy has manifested itself into the reactions of people inside the football stadium.
World Cup 2026 accessibility
At the moment it feels like the most enclosed tournament that's ever been. To play a role in it, you have to have a significant amount of money to be involved. It sends out a terrible message.
.jpg)
