In brief
Senegal is set to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Paris, firmly rejecting the Confederation of African Football's recent decision to strip them of their title, which followed a controversial final against Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation, led by president Abdoulaye Fall, vows to appeal the decision, denouncing it as a ‘blatant robbery.’ As the battle for the title intensifies, the future of Senegal's championship hopes hangs in the balance.
Senegal plans to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their game against Peru in Paris on Saturday, with the head of the country's Football Federation vowing a 'crusade' against the decision to strip the team of the title.
The Lions of Teranga claimed their second Afcon title on 18 January when they beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final that ended chaotically, with Senegal's players walking off the pitch after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty.
However, last week, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned that result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.
On Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) confirmed that it received Senegal's appeal against that decision, promising to rule 'as swiftly as possible.'
Faced with what amounts to the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to accept this as inevitable, said FSF president Abdoulaye Fall at a media conference in Paris.
Before making his comments, FSF's social media posted a timetable for the Saturday friendly at the Stade de France, which included a trophy parade.
Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values, added Fall. Our fight now transcends the football pitch.
The move reflects Senegal’s determination to reclaim their narrative in the wake of what they perceive as an injustice in the footballing world.
