Former Confederation of African Football (CAF) Vice President Kwesi Nyantakyi has criticised CAF’s decision to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that undermines the integrity of the game.

The CAF Appeals Board recently annulled Senegal’s victory and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win, a move that has triggered widespread debate across African football.

Reacting to the decision, Nyantakyi questioned both its legal basis and implications, arguing that CAF misapplied its own Disciplinary Code.

He said Articles 82 and 83, relied upon in the ruling, are general provisions and should not have been used in place of more specific rules outlined under Articles 88 to 106.

He maintained that the temporary walkout by Senegal players during the final did not justify a forfeiture, noting that the match resumed and was completed.

Nyantakyi also pointed to the authority of the referee under the Laws of the Game, stressing that the official’s decision to continue and conclude the match should be final.

“It must be appreciated that in highly charged matches, players may protest decisions or even stage brief walkouts,” he said.

“Such reactions, in themselves, do not constitute a serious offence unless they lead to the abandonment of a match.”

“The referee is the judge of facts,” Nyantakyi noted.

“It was clear the match was brought to an end by the referee. Any contrary finding has no basis in the laws of the game.”

Beyond the legal concerns, he warned that overturning a completed match result risks damaging the credibility of African football, cautioning that such decisions could erode public trust and affect stakeholder confidence.

“Football is played in the open and watched by millions. If results can be changed in boardrooms without clear justification, serious credibility issues will arise,” Nyantakyi cautioned.