Mamad Gaye Praises Nigerian Judge in CAF Title Ruling

Ivorian football pundit Mamad Gaye commended the CAF appeal committee's decision, which involved Nigerian judge Roli Daibo Harriman as the chair. The committee ruled on March 17 that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations by walking off the pitch in protest during the final against Morocco on January 18, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit in favor of Morocco.

This decision overturned Senegal's 1-0 victory in extra time and sparked widespread outrage in the football community. Gaye defended the committee's process, highlighting the independence of the disciplinary committee and the thorough investigation that included reviewing stadium camera footage.

He praised CAF President Patrice Motsepe for not interfering with the disciplinary committee's decisions. Despite Gaye's defense, the ruling faced significant backlash from global football figures, and Senegal's football federation confirmed plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.