AFCON
PAPA BOUBA DIOUP WAS A FRIENDLY GIANT, SAYS SADIO MANE
Liverpool star Sadio Mane was one of many to pay tribute to Papa Bouba Diop following his death at the age of 42.
He is recalled not just for scoring the opening goal of the 2002 World Cup when Senegal shocked France, but also for scoring the first of the two goals wit which Senegal eliminated Nigeria in the semi finals of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.
The ex-Senegal midfielder, who played for Fulham and Portsmouth where he won the FA Cup, lost his long battle with illness.
Diop, who was nicknamed ‘The Wardrobe’ because of his 6ft 5ins size, also had spells in England with Birmingham and West Ham.
He joined Fulham in 2004 and spent three years in west London, before signing for Portsmouth.
Diop helped Pompey win an FA Cup under the management of Harry Redknapp in 2008.
He was also part of one of the biggest World Cup shocks when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 group stage win over reigning champions France in 2002.
“Pape Bouba, it was with a broken heart that we learned of your passing,” Mané wrote undeneath a picture of Diop celebrating his World Cup goal. “Know that you will remain in our hearts forever even if you left without saying goodbye to us. RIP.”
Fulham, Birmingham, Portsmouth and West Ham also expressed their sadness at the news.
Fulham said: “We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42. Rest well, Wardrobe.
Meanwhile, Birmingham wrote: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Papa Bouba Diop at the age of 42.
“Our thoughts are with Papa’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Portsmouth said: “We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42. Rest in peace, The Wardrobe.”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Harry Redknapp recalled a well liked man.
“I never heard a bad word for anybody out of his mouth. Everyone just loved him.
“I looked like signing him at Portsmouth and then I lost him, he ended up going to Fulham.
“I went to watch him at Fulham a few times and he was such a good player, strong and powerful and could pass it, and he played in that Senegal team that beat France at the World Cup.
“Then eventually I got him to Portsmouth and he was so influential in what we achieved. He was a top player and a top person, always smiling, always laughing. He was just lovely to have around and I’m really upset to hear this news. He really was a special character.”
West Ham added: “Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop at just 42.
“A part of our 2011/12 promotion-winning squad, he’ll always be a part of our Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Papa.”
By Kunle Solaja.
The CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb has stated that the tribunal is prepared to handle the Senegal case against CAF and Morocco efficiently.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators,” he said.
“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
CAS noted that proceedings will remain confidential while ongoing, with further updates to be provided only when key milestones, such as a hearing date, are confirmed.
The case now sets the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle over the outcome of one of Africa’s biggest football competitions, with the final status of the AFCON 2025 title hanging in the balance.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Decision By CAF
By Kunle Solaja.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed receipt of an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation challenging the outcome of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement issued in Lausanne on 25 March 2026, CAS said the appeal is directed against both the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The dispute stems from a CAF ruling on 17 March 2026, which declared that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final, awarding the match to Morocco with a 3-0 scoreline.
In its appeal, Senegal is asking CAS to set aside the CAF decision and declare Senegal the rightful winners of the tournament.
The federation has also requested a suspension of the deadline for submitting its full appeal brief, arguing that the CAF decision has so far been issued without detailed grounds.
CAS confirmed that the appeal was officially registered on 25 March and that an arbitral panel will be constituted to hear the case.
Legal Process Underway
Under CAS procedures, the appellant has 20 days to submit a detailed appeal brief, while the respondents, CAF and Morocco, will then have another 20 days to respond
However, due to Senegal’s request to suspend deadlines pending full documentation of the CAF ruling, no clear procedural timeline has yet been established.
As a result, it remains uncertain when hearings will take place or when a final verdict may be delivered.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has strongly refuted circulating claims that Moroccan players walked off the pitch during their decisive 1976 Africa Cup of Nations encounter with Guinea, describing the reports as “false” and lacking any official basis.
In a firm statement, the federation also dismissed speculation that it is seeking to challenge the outcome of the historic match, clarifying that no such incident occurred and no legal action has been initiated with either the Confederation of African Football or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Statement by the Guinean Football Federation regarding the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations
“The Guinean Football Federation informs the national and international public that it has not initiated any procedure either with the Court of Arbitration for Sport or with CAF in relation to the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations,” the statement read, stressing that the reports are “inaccurate and not based on any official foundation.”
Eyewitness and participant Account Rebuts Claims
Further reinforcing the federation’s position, former Guinea international Ismael Sylla—who featured in the match—dismissed the allegations in an interview with TV5MONDE. He affirmed that the game proceeded normally, with Morocco scoring a late equaliser.
His account directly contradicts the viral narrative, particularly given his presence on the pitch during the decisive stages of the encounter.
Historical Records Back Federation’s Position
Independent verification through archival research by Sports Village Square also found no evidence supporting claims of a Moroccan walkout.
Contemporary reports from outlets such as the Daily Times of Nigeria and L’Équipe, as well as a commemorative video released by FIFA in 2007 to mark CAF’s 50th anniversary, contain no reference to any such incident.
According to the FGF, the match was played on 14 March 1976 in Addis Ababa, with Guinea taking the lead through Souleymane Cherif in the 33rd minute before Morocco equalised in the 86th minute via Ahmed Makrouh, popularly known as “Baba.”
The federation also highlighted that the 1976 tournament format differed from the modern AFCON structure, as the winner was determined through a final group stage rather than a single championship match.
“In accordance with the regulations in force at the time, the competition did not include a classic final,” the statement explained. “The qualified teams played a final group, and the ranking directly determined the winner.”
Morocco ultimately topped the standings to secure their first continental title, with Guinea finishing second and Nigeria third.
FGF Urges Responsible Reporting
The federation called on media organisations and football stakeholders to rely on verified historical records and avoid amplifying unsubstantiated claims.
Reaffirming its commitment to “fair play, mutual respect and the unity of African football,” the FGF said the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation as debates around AFCON history continue to attract renewed attention.
The statement effectively lays to rest claims of a Moroccan walkout and any suggestion of a pending legal dispute, restoring clarity to one of African football’s most frequently debated historical narratives.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Congo officials over financial misconduct
Super Eagles’ Friendly Opponents Iran Train Under Tight Media Restrictions Ahead of Clash
CAS Promises Swift but Fair Hearing on Senegal’s Appeal Against CAF and Morocco
- World Cup1 week ago
EXCLUSIVE! Late Filing, Unpaid Fee Doom Nigeria’s Protest Against DR Congo
- World Cup4 days ago
FIFA Cancels Thousands of Hotel Rooms in World Cup Host Cities Amid U.S. Immigration Concerns
- AFCON1 week ago
Morocco Awarded AFCON 2025 Title as CAF Appeal Board Sanctions Senegal
- MLS7 days ago
Messi scores 900th career goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club
- CAF Champions League3 days ago
Ten-man Zamalek hold on in dramatic Otoho clash to reach semi-finals
- World Cup2 days ago
Absent Giants: Big Football Nations Missing from the 2026 World Cup
- Nigerian Football3 days ago
NFF Extraordinary Congress to Set Stage for September Elections in Yenagoa
- AFCON1 week ago
Senegal calls for inquiry into removal of its Africa Cup of Nations title