adminEverton could soon find themselves in an uncomfortable situation with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) after Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye were stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Both players had been part of the Senegal squad that originally secured a 1–0 win over Morocco in January. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has since overturned that result, awarding the title to Morocco by default. The decision followed Senegal’s 17-minute walk-off during the final in protest against controversial refereeing by Jean-Jacques Ndala. Although the team returned to complete the match, CAF ruled that the temporary exit amounted to a forfeit.
Prior to this ruling, the PFA had already honoured Gueye and Ndiaye with special recognition awards, placing Everton in a potentially awkward position. Those awards—also given to Ismaila Sarr and El Hadji Malick Diouf—were presented after Senegal’s victory and even personalised with the players’ names and squad numbers.
With Morocco now officially recognised as champions, there is a possibility that the PFA could request the return of those awards. Such a move could create tension, particularly after Gueye publicly challenged CAF’s decision.
Responding to the verdict, the Everton midfielder downplayed the importance of titles and trophies, instead highlighting the dignity shown by the Senegalese people. He insisted that what the team experienced during the final in Rabat cannot be taken away from them.
If the PFA does decide to act, the situation could quickly become complicated for all parties involved. However, Senegal are preparing an appeal against the ruling—specifically contesting alleged breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations—so the PFA may choose to wait for a final outcome before making any decision.
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