Édouard Mendy slams CAF over controversial AFCON decision

Édouard Mendy has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football, questioning the effectiveness of its institutions following a controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Speaking ahead of Senegal’s friendly match against Gambia in Dakar, the national team goalkeeper voiced frustration with the governing body’s Appeals Committee, accusing it of failing to meet expectations and undermining the credibility of African football.

“It has become commonplace for it to fall short of expectations. We cannot have the respect of the Euros or the Copa America because we lack solid institutions that elevate our competition to the level it deserves.”

Mendy’s remarks come amid growing discontent over CAF’s handling of key decisions, particularly the ruling that reassigned the 2025 AFCON title—initially won by Senegal on the pitch—to Morocco on a technicality. The move has been widely challenged by Senegalese authorities, who view it as a serious injustice.

The goalkeeper highlighted what he sees as a widening gap between the progress of African players and the structures that govern the sport.

“Today, you see African players in the best clubs in the world, winning trophies. But this work is being damaged by a handful of people.”

He further expressed concern about issues within African football administration that, in his view, would not occur in other regions.

“Things are happening here that wouldn’t happen elsewhere, unfortunately.”

The controversy has prompted Senegal to escalate the matter, with an appeal lodged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In addition, further legal action is being considered, including the possibility of pursuing the case through courts in the United States.

The dispute has intensified scrutiny on CAF’s governance at a time when African football continues to gain global recognition through the success of its players.

Mendy’s intervention reflects a broader concern about whether institutional frameworks are keeping pace with the sport’s development on the continent.

As Senegal await the outcome of their appeal, the debate surrounding the decision continues to raise questions about transparency, fairness, and the future direction of football governance in Africa.