Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph has been plunged into deeper controversy following reports that the tournament trophy has been moved to a military base amid an unresolved title dispute with Morocco.
According to multiple accounts circulating on Wednesday, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw authorised the relocation of the silverware to a secure military facility, where it is said to be under armed guard.
Soldiers were reportedly permitted to take photographs with the trophy, a gesture widely interpreted as a symbolic assertion of Senegal’s claim to the title.
The move comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a technical victory in the final, effectively overturning Senegal’s on-pitch success and naming the North African side champions.
The decision has triggered anger among fans and officials in Dakar, who argue that the outcome should not be settled administratively.
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A post shared by UK-based outlet Topskills Sports on X claimed the trophy had been positioned “in the centre of their military camp,” describing the action as an effort to protect what Senegal believes it rightfully earned.
Senegal’s football authorities have rejected CAF’s ruling and have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, insisting the title was “won on merit.”
Officials within the federation have maintained that handing over the trophy before a final legal verdict would be premature.
The row has drawn strong reactions from within the squad with Captain Kalidou Koulibaly publicly questioning CAF’s decision.
Morocco, however, have accepted CAF’s verdict, with players and officials celebrating what they regard as confirmation of their championship status.