Here are the comments of @CAF_Online exco member Samir Sobha, on Tuesday’s decision of the CAF’s Appeals Board - made to me exclusively on Wednesday:
“We cannot correct a mistake by making another mistake.”
The decision to designate a winner based on Articles 82, 83, and 84 of the competition regulations has generated deep incomprehension and a genuine sense of injustice. Correcting one injustice with another cannot be considered an acceptable response, either from a sporting or an ethical standpoint.
While these regulatory provisions are intended to address exceptional situations, their application must remain consistent with the spirit of the game. A strictly administrative decision, however legally justified, cannot erase the harm felt by those involved nor convince those who uphold the principles of sporting fairness.
It is also important to recall that at no point did the referee officially blow the final whistle while a portion of the Senegalese players had left the pitch. Likewise, no sanctions were imposed upon their return to resume the match, raising serious questions about how this situation was managed.
Football is founded on core values: fairness, merit, and the truth of what happens on the field. Awarding a title outside these principles, even when supported by regulatory provisions, undermines the credibility of the competition and damages the integrity of the game.
Ultimately, an injustice cannot be remedied by another decision perceived as equally unjust. Rather than restoring balance, such a choice risks intensifying frustrations and calls for a deeper reflection on how to safeguard fairness and uphold the honor of African football.
In summary, such decisions - difficult to comprehend - stem primarily from the shortcomings of the referees during this final and ultimately cast doubt on the CAF Executive Committee, which is meant to uphold the integrity of African football.
BRA - ARG en élim de la CDM. Les Argentins se font tabasser dans les tribunes.
Messi dit : "On ne joue pas,on s'en va".
Toute l'équipe quitte la pelouse.
Mais quand c'est l'Afrique ça fait les chokbar !
Personne ne doit toucher à Pape Thiaw !
La FIFA peut aller se faire voir.
🎥 Samuel Eto’o a fait les discours dans les vestiaires des Lions indomptables après l’élimination face au Maroc.
Il leur a demandé d’être fier de ce qu’ils avaient réalisé lors de cette CAN 2025. 🦁🇨🇲
@mamadouman@Kalciss Les billets sont récupérables qu’à quelques jours près des matchs concernés.
Tu pourras les récupérer via l’application Afcon tickets.
Après avoir embrasé Paris et New York, les Ultras Winners wydadis ont célébré leur 20e anniversaire dans les rues de Casablanca ! 🧨
Les Marocains vivent le football comme personne dans le monde, quelle folie. 🤩🇲🇦
🔵 Playing his seventh season with the Toffees
🇸🇳 119 caps for Senegal
🤩 A big goal for the Blues last time out
How would you describe @IGanaGueye in one word? ⬇️