A spokesperson for the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has apologized for controversial remarks made after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit win against Senegal in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The original match, played in June 2024, ended in a 1-1 draw.
In a now-deleted social media post, FSF spokesperson Kara Thioune wrote he was "ashamed to be African" following CAF's decision. The ruling came after Senegal was found to have fielded an ineligible player, defender Abdoulaye Seck, who should have been suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Thioune later issued a public apology, stating his comments were made in the heat of the moment and did not reflect his true feelings or those of the Federation. "I deeply regret my words, which were inappropriate and hurtful," he said. The forfeit result confirmed Morocco's qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The incident has sparked debate about sportsmanship and governance in African football. CAF has not issued any further public statement on the matter beyond confirming the disciplinary decision that led to the forfeit.
