AFCON ’25: Odegbami faults CAF verdict, backs Senegal

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Odegbami

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Former international, Segun Odegbami, has faulted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for awarding the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco.

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Odegbami described CAF’s decision to overturn the Jan. 18 final result as “bizarre, condemnable and unjustifiable.”

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He noted that Senegal were crowned champions and celebrated globally before the verdict was reversed on technical grounds.

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“It is unheard of in football history. You cannot take away a trophy won on the pitch two months after,” he said.

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Odegbami said the decision had sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders worldwide.

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“This judgment has shaken CAF’s credibility. It is not surprising the world is up in arms,” he added.

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The ex-Nigerian Football Legend questioned the motive behind the decision, describing it as risky and unpopular.

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“What could have driven such a decision that undermines the spirit of the game?” he asked.

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Odegbami said although football regulations may not cover every situation, rare cases require wisdom.

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“This AFCON case demands that rules and common sense must align,” he said.

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He recalled that Senegal were crowned by CAF and FIFA officials before a global audience.

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“Two months later, CAF delivered what I call a ‘poisoned verdict’ through its Appeals Committee,” he said.

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Odegbami explained that Morocco’s protest, earlier dismissed, was later upheld on appeal.

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“The decision to reverse a final match result is one of the most unpopular ever,” he said.

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He said the rules on walkouts are clear but must be applied with context.

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According to him, Senegal players walked off after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, staying away for 17 minutes.

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“Ordinarily, that attracts forfeiture, but the referee allowed play to resume, which changed everything,” he said.

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Odegbami noted that petitions can alter results but argued that the AFCON final was different.

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“If this were a qualifier, nobody would question CAF’s decision. But this was the final,” he said.

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He stressed that the trophy had been awarded and celebrations concluded before the reversal.

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“There was no room for post-match litigation in a final of this magnitude,” he said.

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Odegbami maintained that the referee’s decision to restart play nullified the forfeiture clause.

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“The match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal scored and won fairly,” he said.

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He insisted that CAF had no justification to overturn the result after recognising a winner.

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“Punish any infractions if necessary, but do not tamper with a concluded final,” he said.

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Odegbami urged CAF to review its regulations and restore Senegal as champions.

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“For now, CAF should retrace its steps and return the trophy to Senegal,” he advised.

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(NAN)

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