Ex-Kenya FA president Sam Nyamweya blasts CAF over Senegal AFCON ruling

Former Football Kenya Federation Sam Nyamweya has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, describing the ruling as a dangerous affront to the integrity of the game.

The ex-Football Kenya Federation chief joins a growing chorus of dissent across the continent after CAF’s Appeals Committee overturned the result of the final in Morocco, awarding hosts Morocco a forfeited victory despite Senegal having won the match on the pitch.

CAF ruling sparks outrage

In a stunning reversal, CAF invoked Articles 82 and 84 of its regulations to penalise Senegal for player conduct during the closing stages of the final in Rabat. The game had been halted for over 15 minutes after Senegal players walked off in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

Play eventually resumed, and although Brahim Díaz missed from the spot, the match proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal to hand Senegal what appeared to be a historic second AFCON crown.

However, following a protest lodged by Morocco, CAF’s disciplinary process concluded that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a breach serious enough to warrant forfeiture, effectively handing the title to the hosts in administrative fashion.

‘Daylight robbery’ claim

Nyamweya did not hold back in his criticism of the decision, questioning both its legal basis and timing.

“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,” Nyamweya told Flashscore.

He argued that the match had been completed in full view of officials and spectators, making the subsequent reversal difficult to justify.

“The decision by CAF has left more questions than answers given that the match was played to the final whistle and there was no abandonment whatsoever.”

While acknowledging that Senegal’s players erred in briefly leaving the pitch, Nyamweya insisted the punishment did not fit the offence, particularly given the contentious nature of the penalty decision that triggered the protest.

“Senegal players were at fault for walking out of the pitch after the referee awarded Morocco what was seen as a questionable penalty deep into added time,” he said.

“Senegal went on to score in extra time in full glare of the entire world to win the title. However, CAF has gone ahead to strip the Senegalese of the title after Morocco lodged a complaint, which is to say the least daylight robbery.”

Integrity of the game questioned

Beyond the immediate fallout, Nyamweya warned that CAF’s intervention risks undermining fundamental principles of football competition, where outcomes are determined on the field of play.

“Football rules dictate the winner on the pitch of play gets the points or the title in the event it is a final match – unless there are other breaches,” he noted, adding that the officials’ decision to allow the match to continue should have settled the contest conclusively.

He further cautioned that the ruling could set a troubling precedent for future tournaments.

“The action by CAF is setting a dangerous precedent and will erode the gains African football has made over the years.”

Nyamweya has now urged CAF leadership, headed by Patrice Motsepe, to urgently address the situation and restore confidence in the governance of the sport.

“As a football stakeholder and having served in CAF committee, I call upon the top leadership of CAF to come out and sort the mess that has been caused by this ruling. Football must be won on the pitch and not on boardrooms.”

Senegal icons reject verdict

The backlash has extended beyond administrators, with former Senegal internationals also questioning both the verdict and its broader implications for African football’s credibility.

Ex-forward Diomansy Kamara expressed disbelief at the decision, framing it as a test of the sport’s integrity on the continent.

“Morocco, African champions?? Really?? So, they can release our fans now? Please put them on the first plane tomorrow morning…,” Kamara said.

“No one will take away our trophy and our dignity. It is the entire credibility of African football that is being tested today. It’s not just one team or one country that is involved.”

Similarly, former defender Omar Daf described the ruling as incomprehensible, particularly given the delay in reaching a verdict.

“This decision should have been made immediately, or in the hours that followed. Now it’s too late! Senegal celebrated, the people celebrated too, the players went to the Presidential Palace…”

Road to CAS remains open

CAF has indicated that Senegal retain the right to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle.