Senegal international goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following the explosive controversy surrounding the recent Africa Cup of Nations final.
Speaking after Senegal’s international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France, Mendy did not hold back, questioning the competence of those running African football and highlighting what he sees as a growing disconnect between on-pitch excellence and off-field governance.
“We Won It On The Pitch” – Edouard Mendy Defiant
Weeks ago, CAF announced and declared the decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title and award it to Morocco.
However, Mendy insists the players still consider themselves rightful champions.
“You don’t have any reason to give me that to feel like you’re not a champion.”
“What you feel is like what everybody feels. Everybody feels that Senegal are the champions.”
“So there is no question about it. There was like a game on the field.”
“We won it. There is another game, but on another field, which we cannot control.”
Mendy clearly stated the strong stance within the Senegal camp that the final was decided on merit, not in boardrooms.
“Football Is Ahead of CAF” – Edouard Mendy Slams CAF
Mendy’s strongest criticism was reserved for CAF’s leadership, whom he accused of lagging behind the rapid progress of African footballers.
He shared on the growing frustration among players over governance, transparency, and decision-making within African football.
“Unfortunately, the football on the pitch made by the African footballers is going faster than these people in the offices.”
“So it’s a shame for Africa, but these things need to change. We need to be on the same level everywhere.”
Title Stripped, Chaos Deepens
The controversy stems from CAF’s ruling to overturn Senegal’s 1–0 victory in the AFCON final and award the title to Morocco via a 3–0 default decision.
The governing body cited tournament regulations, arguing that Senegal effectively forfeited the match after briefly walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision.
However, the situation remains deeply contentious.
Senegal players, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, publicly paraded the AFCON trophy in Paris ahead of their friendly, sending a clear message that they do not recognise CAF’s ruling.
Legal Battle Looms at CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation has taken the fight to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, describing CAF’s decision as:
“The most grossly unfair administrative robbery” in football history.”
Senegal’s legal team has filed an appeal seeking to overturn the ruling, with calls for an expedited process.
However, such cases can take months or even longer, raising the possibility of a prolonged legal battle.
The Senegalese government has also demanded an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF, further intensifying the crisis.
AFCON’s Reputation Under Threat
What began as a chaotic final has now escalated into one of the most controversial episodes in African football history.
CAF’s decision has sparked widespread debate about governance, referee authority, and the integrity of competitions, with many arguing that altering a result after the final whistle undermines the very essence of the sport.
For now, Africa finds itself with two narratives; one recognising Morocco as champions, and another where Senegal, backed by its players and fans, refuses to relinquish the crown.
