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CAF UNDER FIRE: MOROCCO–SENEGAL AFCON CONTROVERSY AND NIGERIA–DR CONGO ELIGIBILITY DISPUTE

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently facing intense scrutiny following two major controversies that have shaken confidence in African football governance.

The first involves the dramatic reversal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal. Senegal had originally secured a 1–0 victory after extra time. However, the match was overshadowed by a tense moment when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision. Although the team returned and completed the match, CAF’s Appeals Board later ruled that the walk-off violated tournament regulations, resulting in a forfeiture and a 3–0 victory awarded to Morocco.

This decision has sparked widespread backlash. Senegal’s football authorities and government have described the ruling as “unjust” and “illegal,” arguing that the referee allowed the match to continue and conclude normally. The controversy has raised concerns about consistency in rule enforcement and the integrity of CAF’s disciplinary processes.

At the same time, another dispute has emerged involving Nigeria and DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) accused DR Congo of fielding ineligible players, allegedly linked to irregularities in nationality documentation.

Despite these claims, FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s protest, reportedly on procedural grounds, including issues such as late submission. The decision effectively upheld DR Congo’s qualification, dealing a significant blow to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

Nigeria has since indicated plans to appeal the ruling, maintaining that the issue goes beyond qualification and touches on the principle of fair play in international football.

Together, these incidents highlight growing tensions within African football, particularly around governance, transparency, and rule enforcement. As appeals continue and investigations are demanded, the outcomes could have lasting implications for the credibility of CAF competitions and the future of football administration on the continent.

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