Football - Senegal: Morocco implores FIFA following Abdoulaye Fall’s remarks
As the final of the Africa Cup of Nations has just concluded, the repercussions of recent events continue to shake the world of football beyond the fields. The "controversial" statements by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), have sparked outrage in Morocco. In response, the Lawyers' Club of Morocco has decided to refer the matter to the competent authorities, relying on article 60 of the FIFA Code of Ethics and article 43 of the Disciplinary Code of CAF.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Maître Mourad El Ajouti, president of the Club des Avocats, expressed his indignation at the remarks made by Fall, calling them "blatant irresponsibility", especially coming from a leader of such an influential sports body. "The position of president of a federation imposes a duty of neutrality, loyalty and reserve," he stressed, insisting on the responsibility that falls to such leaders.
The Club des Avocats has therefore decided to refer, initially, the matter to the FIFA Ethics Committee. Mr. El Ajouti specified that this approach stems from the fact that CAF itself is targeted by the accusations formulated by Fall.
"We expect a thorough investigation to be conducted so that light is shed and appropriate sanctions are applied against the author of these statements,"
he said.
The lawyer also highlighted the timing of Fall’s statements, occurring on the eve of the official visit of the Senegalese Prime Minister to Morocco.
"This raises questions about the desire to harm the climate of serenity that characterizes our bilateral relations,"
he said, suggesting that these statements could have broader political and diplomatic implications.
Before concluding, Mr. El Ajouti insisted on specifying that the referral initiated is a "legal procedure" aimed exclusively at the author of the remarks, Abdoulaye Fall.
"It should in no way be interpreted as an action against the Senegalese people,"
he insisted. He reaffirmed that "Senegal is a brotherly people with whom Morocco shares a secular and unwavering brotherhood," calling for restraint.
While the AFCON final recently celebrated the best of African football, tensions outside the field persist between Morocco and Senegal. When will the end of this 35th edition of the compettion, marked by rivalries that eclipse the competitive spirit?