NAIROBI, Kenya – Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is causing a buzz online after a classy clapback at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its decision to strip the country of its second AFCON title.
Faye, in a subtle response, updated his Facebook profile photo with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy captured in the background.
This is a strong response in support of his country, which was stripped of the trophy and awarded to Morocco just 59 days after lifting it.
In a statement released on Tuesday night amidst UEFA Champions League action, the African soccer governing body announced that it had awarded Morocco a 3-0 win in the final, essentially making them AFCON champions instead.
In explaining the decision, the governing body noted that the Lions of Teranga had “forfeited” the match by initially walking off the pitch.
CAF cited Article 82 of the tournament’s regulations to justify the verdict enforced.
“If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorization of the referee, it shall be considered the loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition.”
Notably, the president’s response aligns with Senegal’s initial move to appeal the decision, which was termed “shame for Africa” by Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation.
“We will not back down. The law is on our side,” Sow retaliated.
“This decision is a travesty that rests on no legal basis. We felt that the panel was not there to apply the law, but to carry out an order,” Sow said.