Algerian sports commentator Hafid Derradji has expressed deep surprise at the continued silence of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over formally congratulating Senegal on winning the Africa Cup of Nations, almost a week after the final.
Derradji said in a post that drew widespread mockery that history “will not forget” this strange precedent, noting that everyone has congratulated Senegal except the official platforms of the two governing bodies.
His remarks come as CAF and FIFA have yet to publish any official statement or protocol message marking Senegal’s triumph, with both organizations’ websites lacking the usual congratulatory notes seen on such occasions. This vacuum has fueled sharp questions and speculation about the reasons behind the apparent silence.
Media sources have linked the delay to the pending decision of CAF’s disciplinary committee regarding incidents that accompanied the final match. In particular, they highlight the Senegal coach’s decision to leave the technical area and behavior on the touchline that sparked debate over sporting discipline and alleged incitement on the pitch.
The committee is expected to issue its ruling in the coming days, which could explain the cautious wait‑and‑see approach from CAF and FIFA. The two bodies appear to be holding back any formal messaging until all legal and disciplinary procedures relating to the final and the subsequent protests and alleged violations are fully completed.
The controversy has also spilled into the comments section, where some fans argue that Senegal did not win the trophy “on merit,” accusing the team of violence and unsporting behavior, while others suggest the delay might be linked to technical details such as the referee’s final whistle and players leaving the pitch.
Several commenters also criticize what they see as attempts by certain media outlets to pressure CAF, turning the issue into another chapter in ongoing regional football tensions.
