Senegal are likely to argue that they did not abandon the game, the match was completed by the referee’s whistle.
They can say Article 82 was misapplied because the game continued under the same circumstances and reached its natural end.
The referee allowing Senegal back on the pitch and Morocco happily continuing the game will be used to state the match - and result - was valid.
As the final was completed, they can argue the integrity of the game was upheld.
They can also claim changing the winner of a completed final is an extreme overreach by the Appeal Board. And that the punishment for a delay - not a refusal to play as they finished the game - is excessive.
🚨Sadio Mane OFFICIAL Statement:
What happened has gone too far. 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.