The Nigerian Guardian reported the 2026 AFCON trophy was sent to a military base, where it is currently guarded by armed soldiers. Military personnel are also allowed to take photos with the trophy, an act observers consider a symbolic move to assert Senegal's claim to the title.

"Senegal's head coach personally brought the AFCON trophy to their military base today. It is now located at the center of the barracks. Protecting what rightfully belongs to them," Topskills Sports UK wrote on its X social media page, along with a video showing the gold trophy surrounded by Senegalese soldiers.

This development follows the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision on 17/3 to award host Morocco a 3-0 victory in the final, overturning Senegal's actual 1-0 win in January and recognizing the North African representative as the 2026 African champion.

The decision sparked outrage in Senegal. Football officials there announced their rejection of CAF's ruling and filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Senegalese Football Federation insisted the championship resulted from "on-field performance" and could not be determined by administrative decisions.

Senegal's national team players also joined the protest, with national team captain and center-back Kalidou Koulibaly openly challenging CAF's decision. The Senegalese Football Federation emphasized that handing over the trophy before a final legal ruling would be premature.

Conversely, on 19/3, Morocco announced its acceptance of the ruling. Their players and football managers celebrated, viewing CAF's outcome as official confirmation of their champion status.

Captain Sadio Mane (number 10) lifts the trophy with Senegal players after winning the 2026 AFCON final on 18/1. Photo: AFP

The 2026 AFCON final, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, saw chaos erupt in the seventh minute of injury time. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consulted VAR and awarded the hosts a penalty. Senegal reacted furiously, with nearly the entire team leaving the field in protest against the referee. Only captain Sadio Mane remained on the field at that moment.

The incident plunged Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium into disarray and interrupted the match for about 15 minutes. Many Senegalese fans also jumped over advertising barriers onto the pitch to confront the refereeing team and the hosts, forcing security forces and riot police to intervene.

When the match resumed, Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the penalty kick, and Pape Gueye scored the sole goal in the 94th minute for Senegal.

Senegal players left the field to protest the referee's decision early in the 2026 AFCON final on 18/1. Photo: AFP

The dispute raised concerns about the governance and consistency of disciplinary regulations in African football. Many warned the incident could set a significant precedent for future tournaments. Under public pressure, CAF President Patrice Motsepe urged calm among all parties, pledging transparency and fairness in the handling process.

AFCON, considered Africa's most prestigious football tournament, holds increasing global football influence. Consequently, this dispute is particularly sensitive, directly threatening the reputation of the continent's football.

Currently, the case file has been referred to CAS, and the true owner of the 2026 AFCON trophy remains uncertain. Africa awaits the final ruling on one of contemporary football's most controversial disputes.

Ha Phuong (according to Guardian)