Sadio Mané slams CAF decision as Senegal moves to Appeal

Sadio Mane has spoken out strongly following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football involving Senegal.

The issue stems from a CAF Appeals Jury ruling that awarded a 3–0 forfeit victory to Morocco national football team, overturning an earlier decision in a disputed AFCON-related case.

In response, the Senegalese Football Federation released a strong statement condemning the outcome:

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that brings African football into disrepute.”

The federation also confirmed it will escalate the matter:

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will promptly initiate an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.”

Reacting to the situation, Mané did not hold back, expressing deep frustration over what he sees as a bigger issue within African football:

“What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in.”

He went further, pointing to concerns about integrity in the sport:

“There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent.”

The Senegal forward also highlighted the growing disconnect between effort on the pitch and decisions made off it:

“Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.”

Calling for change, Mané added:

“We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”

The controversy has sparked wider debate across the football community, with many echoing the sentiment that results should be decided on the pitch rather than through administrative rulings.

As Senegal prepares its appeal to CAS, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for governance and trust in African football.