Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye has launched a fierce attack on the Confederation of African Football following their decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations crown.
The governing body awarded the title to Morocco earlier this month, two months after the contentious final concluded with Senegal celebrating on the pitch.
"I think this decision is just ridiculous. We won the game on the pitch, not in the offices, and as a Senegalese player, I'm just proud of what we did," Gueye said.
He insisted his nation earned their triumph through sheer determination.
Senegal were initially crowned Afcon winners after beating Morocco in the final | REUTERS"We deserve this trophy. We fought on the pitch, and everyone knows what happened," Gueye added.
The dramatic final took place in Rabat on 18 January, with tensions boiling over in the closing moments of normal time.
With the score level at 0-0, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr ruled out, leaving players incensed.
Moments later, El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for holding Brahim Diaz inside the area, prompting coach Pape Thiaw to lead his squad off the pitch in protest.
The players remained in the dressing room for approximately 15 minutes before returning at captain Sadio Mané's urging.
Diaz's subsequent Panenka-style spot-kick was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye netted the winner in extra time.
Senegal players left the pitch after VAR awarded Morocco a controversial penalty | REUTERSHowever, Morocco lodged an appeal citing Article 82 of CAF's regulations, which mandates elimination for teams leaving the field without authorisation.
The appeal board subsequently overturned the result, recording a 3-0 administrative victory for the hosts.
Gueye expressed deep concern that the ruling undermines how the continent's premier tournament is perceived internationally.
He suggested those responsible for the decision may harbour anti-African sentiments.
"People who take this decision they are maybe against Africa, because Africa doesn't need this type of decision," the midfielder declared.
The 35-year-old fears the controversy invites unflattering comparisons with other major continental championships.
"Everyone has started to talk about AFCON and compare it against Europe and the Copa America. I think Africa doesn't deserve this," he said.
Former Liberia striker and 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah has also voiced criticism of the outcome.
Several Senegal squad members responded to the ruling by sharing photographs of their winners' medals on social media.
Despite the acrimony surrounding the decision, Gueye revealed he has maintained a warm relationship with Everton teammate Adam Aznou, who represents Morocco at international level.
Senegal went on to beat Morocco in extra-time after Brahim Diaz missed his penalty | REUTERSThe pair have found humour in the extraordinary circumstances.
"We just laugh about this because sometimes it's funny," Gueye explained.
He joked about offering his medal to his club colleague.
"I said to him next time I will bring the medal for him," the midfielder revealed.
Gueye emphasised that the administrative dispute would not poison relations between the two nations.
"We are all brothers and no-one can push me to hate Morocco's people. Morocco and Senegal have a good relationship," he stated.
The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.