Board ruling turns Afcon into farce

Africa’s credibility in tatters, say critics

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A man reads a Moroccan newspaper following CAF's decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations title in Rabat.

(AFP)

The controversy over January's Africa Cup of Nations final will come as a major blow to the continent’s hopes of elevating the status of its flagship competition.

Tuesday's decision by the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board to strip Senegal of the title and hand it to opponents Morocco adds to the chaos that characterised the final in Rabat, where Senegal walked off the pitch to protest a VAR decision before returning to win the game 1-0.

Their walk-off has been adjudged to have contravened tournament regulations and led to the Appeal Board handing Morocco the title and awarding them a 3-0 victory scoreline.

But the decision is to be appealed by Senegal, which is certain to drag out a storm that has harmed the image of African football.