Senegalese television has moved to calm growing speculation that the national team could be stripped of their recent Africa Cup of Nations crown amid ongoing controversy over the chaotic final.
Despite the serious incidents that followed the match, several media reports indicate that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is unlikely to overturn the result or withdraw the title.
In a special segment aired before the CAF Disciplinary Committee meeting, Senegal TV stressed that competition rules do not allow canceling a match that was decided on the pitch, even if major irregularities occurred afterward.
The channel explained that the committee can impose tough disciplinary sanctions, but these would not affect the legitimacy of the 1–0 extra-time win that secured the trophy for the Lions of Teranga in Rabat on 18 January.
According to experts and reports highlighted by French outlet L’Équipe, possible sanctions may target the Senegalese FA, coach Pape Thiaw, and players who left the field, as well as crowd trouble that caused injuries and material damage.
CAF’s disciplinary panel, now chaired on this case by Kenyan official Jane Onyango after Senegal’s Othman Kane recused himself, will base its verdict on referees’ reports, match delegates, and security officials.
Legal specialists linked to FIFA believe any punishment will remain within CAF’s continental framework and will not affect World Cup qualifiers, reinforcing the sense that the title itself is not at risk.
