The CAF Appeal Board has overturned a previous decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board regarding the AFCON title match between Senegal and Morocco, awarding the trophy to Morocco with a 3-0 victory.
The Appeal board is led by Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, a Nigerian judge elected in 2023.
Other members include Faustino Varela Monteiro (Cabo Verde) as vice-chairman, Moez Ben Tahar Nasri (Tunisia), Moses Ikanqa (Namibia), Hamoud T’feil Bowbe (Mauritania)
Mohamed Robleh Djama (Djibouti), Asogbavi Komlan (Togo), Justice Masauko Timothy Msungama (Malawi), and Lubamba Ngimbi Hector (DR Congo).
The Appeal Board’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which described the ruling as “unfair” and “unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Senegal has since escalated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Motsepe Responds
CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe emphasized the independence of the Appeal Board and reaffirmed Senegal’s right to seek further legal action. In a statement, he said:
“The CAF Appeals Committee chaired by a judge is completely independent. The fact that the Disciplinary Committee and the Appeals Committee reached two diametrically opposed decisions is proof of genuine autonomy.
“We have staffed these bodies with some of the continent’s most respected legal experts and judges.
“Each of the 54 African nations has the right to take the necessary legal action to defend its interests. We will comply with and respect the decision that will be made at the highest level.
“A fundamental principle is that no African country will be treated in a more privileged, advantageous, or favorable manner than any other country on the African continent.
“The events and incidents that occurred during the final highlight the work that remains to be done in the face of suspicion and a lack of trust. This is a legacy of the past.”
Despite Motsepe’s reassurances, speculation persists that CAF leadership may have influenced the outcome.
Also read: FIFA Rejects Nigeria’s Petition on DR Congo Eligibility, NFF Set to Appeal
Critics point to the removal of Yacine Othman Robleh, the head of the judicial body overseeing both disciplinary and investigative committees, following intense pressure over the sanctions issued to Morocco.
The decision, the appeals process, and Senegal’s CAS challenge are expected to keep African football under intense scrutiny in the coming months.
