Ismaila Sarr refuses to transfer Afcon medal after controversial ruling
Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr is steadfastly holding onto his Africa Cup of Nations winner’s medal and refusing to transfer his victory bonus to teammate Chadi Riad following a remarkable decision by African football’s governing body, reports BritPanorama.
The Confederation of African Football overturned the result of the Afcon final on Tuesday, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and stripping Senegal of its title. The ruling comes as a shock to many observers in the sport.
Sarr, 28, had entered the January final as a substitute in Rabat, witnessing what appeared to be Pape Gueye’s dramatic winning goal against Morocco. Despite the official reversal, Senegal continues to retain possession of the trophy while pledging to challenge the ruling in higher courts.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner found considerable amusement in the unusual predicament facing his squad members from opposing nations. He remarked, “I must smile and laugh about it. I didn’t realise Morocco went to CAF.” Glasner acknowledged the delicate nature of having players from both countries in his dressing room.
Sarr revealed that Glasner had suggested he show generosity by possibly sending his bonus to Riad, the Moroccan defender who was not part of his nation’s Afcon squad. “Maybe you have to send your bonus to Chadi’s account,” Glasner said, but Sarr emphatically stated he would not. “Isma was also laughing about it. I think it’s a weird situation,” Glasner added.
The dramatic reversal stemmed from events during stoppage time of the final, when Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest against a controversial VAR decision. Moments earlier, Sarr’s goal had been chalked off for a minor foul by a teammate. The Lions of Teranga were incensed when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty, judging West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf to have fouled Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz. Coach Pape Thiaw’s instructions to walk off were supported by some players, although former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane urged his colleagues to return to the field.
When they did return, Diaz failed to convert the penalty, attempting a “Panenka” chip. Gueye subsequently netted what seemed to be the decisive goal in extra time for Senegal. Morocco’s appeal against the result led to CAF’s appeal board ruling that Senegal had breached tournament regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s permission.
With Senegal announcing their intention to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, the decision marks an unprecedented reversal of such a prestigious final, with a similar ruling occurring only once previously in 2024 when Romania were awarded a Nations League victory after Kosovo walked off.
This incident serves as a reminder of how fragile victories can be in football, where the line between triumph and turmoil is often drawn by a single contentious decision. In a sport that thrives on drama, this saga adds another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding fairness and integrity in competition.
