2025 AFCON chaos: Sadio Mane hits out at ‘corruption’ after Senegal stripped of title

Sadio Mane has launched a scathing attack on African football authorities, accusing the game of “too much corruption” after CAF stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Senegal had originally defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final on January 18, but the CAF Appeals Committee overturned the result following a dramatic 17-minute walk-off by the Senegalese team late in the match.

The protest came after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, an incident that sparked chaos in Casablanca.

Under Article 82 of CAF regulations, any team that refuses to continue play without the referee’s approval is deemed to have forfeited the match. CAF consequently awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, handing them their first AFCON title in 50 years.

“What happened has gone too far,” Mane said in a statement.

“This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in.

“There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.

“I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”

The controversy leaves a cloud over the tournament and raises fresh concerns about governance and transparency in African football.