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Senegal go to extreme lengths to keep hold of AFCON trophy after being stripped of title

What happened

CAF's Appeal Board stripped Senegal of their 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco following a controversial decision. Senegal's coach responded by moving the physical trophy to a military base under armed guard. The dispute has created a standoff where Morocco holds the official title but Senegal retains possession of the actual trophy.

Why people care

This represents an unprecedented situation in international football where the governing body's decision and physical reality don't align. The trophy being placed under military protection has escalated what was already a contentious ruling into a diplomatic sporting crisis between two neighboring nations.

The takes

Morocco says

The CAF Appeal Board decision correctly awards Morocco the 2025 AFCON title and upholds the rights and integrity of the competition. Morocco's football federation welcomed the ruling as proper recognition of their rightful claim to the championship.

Senegal's response

Rather than surrender the trophy, Senegal moved it to a military facility where it remains under armed protection. The decision to involve military security suggests Senegal views this as more than just a sporting dispute and intends to maintain physical possession regardless of CAF's ruling.

Sources