Former Egypt striker Mido has slammed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after they stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final of the 2026 edition, which took place in January.
But there was significant controversy over Senegal coach Pape Thiaw's decision to lead his players from the pitch after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty during normal time.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane managed to convince his team-mates to return to the pitch, but 16 minutes had elapsed by then.
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Once play resumed, Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed his penalty after he attempted a Panenka.
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'.
Read next: Idrissa Gueye issues statement as Senegal decide next steps after being stripped of AFCON title
CAF launched an investigation into the matter after Senegal's victory, stating that the AFCON winners would be punished - without stating what that punishment could be.
On Tuesday evening, they announced that, following the conclusion of that investigation, a CAF appeal board had decided that Senegal would forfeit the match via 3-0 defeat and that the AFCON title would be awarded to Morocco.
Senegal have confirmed that they plan to appeal the verdict, and the Senegalese FA have called for an independent investigation into 'suspected corruption'.
Read next: Senegal to take legal action as statement issued after AFCON title stripped
There have been mixed reactions worldwide to CAF's announcement - but former Egypt, West Ham and Middlesbrough striker Mido has left nobody in any doubt as to which side he is on.
"CAF is a real joke!!" he wrote on Twitter. "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!!
"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!!"
CAF sanctions placed on Senegal and Morocco
In a statement released alongside the announcement of Senegal being stripped of the 2026 AFCON title, CAF stated: "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)."
Alongside that sanction, Morocco have been fined $50,000 over the conduct of their ball boys.
Three of them were filmed tackling Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf to the ground as he tried to stop them from stealing Edouard Mendy's towel, which was being used to dry his gloves.
The CAF Appeal Board found that the FRMF 'is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match'.
The FRMF have been fined a further $100,000 for interfering with a VAR decision, and a further $10,000 after supporters were found to have pointed lasers towards Senegal players.
And Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari has been suspended for one CAF match - with another match suspended - over breaches of Article 82 and Article 83(1) of the official tournament regulations.
Topics: Egypt, Africa Cup Of Nations, Football
Ryan Smart