Ex-Spurs star Mido tears into controversial AFCON decision - 'Real joke'

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Former Premier League star Mido has slammed the decision to strip Senegal of the African Cup of Nations as ‘the biggest scandal’ in football history. The West African country claimed the title earlier this year with a 2-1 victory over Morocco.

But the final was shrouded in controversy after a host of players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty. Sadio Mane eventually convinced his teammates to return after a 16-minute delay.

Article 82 of AFCON's regulations state that “if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition”.

Explaining the decision to strip Senegal of the title, a statement from CAF read: "The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 ("the Match"), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)."

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Former Tottenham and West Ham star Mido has shared his thoughts on the decision and did not pull any punches. Taking to X, the Egyptian wrote: "CAF is a real joke!! I have been saying this for years.

"Most of the African legends who are involved/attending all the CAF Events/Meetings are CLOWNS. The decision to take away the Cup from Senegal and hand it to Morocco is the biggest scandal in the History of football.

"There must be a revolution in African football. All these people must go and today not Tomorrow!!

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"I'm not here against Morocco. I love Morocco and I love Moroccans and I have a lot of Moroccan friends who I really love and respect but come on guys this is gone too far!!

"You lost on the pitch, Senegal were the better team at the final, they deserve to be the champions of Africa. It's clear simple and you all know it!!

"I really wanted congratulate my Moroccan friends but I can't congratulate you on something you won at the office and not on the pitch!!"

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