The decision of the Confederation of African football (CAF) to upturn Senegal’s victory at the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament has sparked a wave of global condemnation and criticisms for the Patrice Moetsepe-led body.

The CAF appeal committee, on Tuesday, awarded second-place and host nation, Morrocco, a 3 – 0 victory citing Article 84 of CAF regulations which punishes teams for walking out of play during match time.

Repeated unprofessional ball-boy conduct, a disallowed goal and a controversial extra-time penalty in favour of Morocco, were the hallmarks of a tense mid-January final game that saw members of the Senegal team walk off the pitch at the 98th minute in protest of a slew of sloppy officiating by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

“Football is won on the pitch and not behind a desk” ex-Liverpool skipper, Jamie Carragher reacted.

Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire legend, Didier Drogba:
“Things like this only happen in Africa. I’m not sure this would happen in the Euros. It’s a disgrace to Africa and football. A country like this shouldn’t be allowed to host a football tournament again. Senegal is the real winner — we all know.”

“How can we restore African supporters’ trust in their CAF? How can we reaffirm our legitimacy without further weakening our institution?” Samuel Eto added.

The Senegalese football federation have now filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the ruling which mirrors the deep-rotted level of corruption pervading corners of the continent making it the most underdeveloped continent on earth.

CAF must rescind its arm-chair ruling and investigate all panelists’ involved in the ruling for the greater interest of preserving the prestige of African football.