Segun Odegbami, the former Nigeria international, has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its recent decision to award the 2025 AFCON championship to Morocco.
Odegbami characterized CAF's choice to overturn the January 18 final score as 'bizarre, condemnable, and unjustifiable.'
He highlighted that Senegal had been acknowledged as champions and celebrated worldwide before the ruling was reversed on technical grounds.
'Never in football history has a trophy been taken back two months after it has been awarded on the pitch,' he stated.
According to Odegbami, the ruling has incited significant outrage among fans and stakeholders in the football community globally.
'This verdict has shaken CAF’s credibility to the core. It is apparent that there is widespread discontent,' he remarked.
The renowned footballer questioned the rationale behind this decision, deeming it risky and unpopular. 'What could prompt such a ruling that goes against the spirit of the game?' he pondered.
Although he recognized that football regulations might not account for every context, he asserted that unique situations necessitate a sensible approach. 'In this AFCON instance, regulations and common sense must come together,' he suggested.
Odegbami recounted that Senegal had been crowned champions by officials from both CAF and FIFA in an event that commanded global attention. 'Two months later, CAF delivered what I would term a “poisoned verdict” through its Appeals Committee,' he added.
He explained that Morocco's earlier protest had been dismissed but was later accepted upon appeal. 'This decision, which reversed a final match result, stands as one of the most controversial ever,' he claimed.
The rules surrounding walkouts are fairly clear, yet he insisted they should be applied judiciously. He noted that Senegal's players left the pitch after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco and withheld play for 17 minutes.
'Conventionally, such an incident would lead to forfeiture, yet the referee allowed the match to continue, which altered the scenario considerably,' he attested.
Odegbami acknowledged that appeals can change outcomes, but emphasized that the nature of the AFCON final was distinct. 'If this were merely a qualifying match, there likely would have been no questions concerning CAF's verdict. But this was the final,' he noted.
He underscored the point that the trophy had already been awarded and celebrations had concluded prior to the verdict reversal. 'Post-match litigation should have no place in a final of this importance,' he stated.
The Nigerian football legend maintained that the referee's choice to restart the match effectively negated the forfeiture clause. 'The match went on, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal scored to win fairly,' he reaffirmed.
Odegbami stated that CAF lacks a solid basis for reversing the outcome after having identified a winner. 'While infractions may warrant punishment if necessary, altering a concluded final is unacceptable,' he urged.
He called on CAF to reassess its policies and reinstate Senegal as the rightful champions. 'For now, CAF ought to retract its decision and return the trophy to Senegal,' he counselled.
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