AFCON Title Tug-of-War: Rohr backs CAS to save African football
By Morakinyo Abodunrin As the dust refuses to settle on the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title, Cheetahs of Benin head coach
By Morakinyo Abodunrin
As the dust refuses to settle on the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title, Cheetahs of Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has thrown his weight behind the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the only credible path to justice.
The veteran German tactician, speaking ahead of Benin’s upcoming international fixtures in Morocco, labelled the retroactive ruling—which handed the trophy to Morocco two months after the final whistle—as a decision that defies the "human" element of the sport.
"This kind of story is unbelievable, coming two months after the final to have this kind of issue," Rohr stated. "I think it’s not final, and I think the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will make the final one. This would be the best for everybody—even for Morocco—as well as for African football."
"This kind of story is unbelievable," Rohr remarked, clearly moved by the plight of the Senegalese side. "You’ve had the joy of being the winner, and two months later they say you are no longer the winner but you are the loser. This decision is not human."
Rohr argued that such a precedent threatens the psychological integrity of the competition, suggesting that if a result can be overturned so long after the medals have been awarded, the "spirit of the game" is effectively under siege.
Read Also: NFF appeals FIFA’s ruling on DR Congo eligibility dispute in World Cup playoff
With the Senegalese Football Federation already preparing their dossier for Lausanne, Rohr believes the intervention of the global sports tribunal is a necessity for the sake of African football's reputation.
"I think it’s not final," Rohr insisted. "I think the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will make the final one, and I think this would be the best for everybody—even for Morocco as well as for African football."
Despite the unfolding drama in African football, Rohr remains focused on his immediate duties with the Beninese national team as the Cheetahs are currently preparing for their upcoming International Break fixtures against Palestine (March 27) and Guinea Conakry (March 31).
Rohr has handed maiden invitations to 17-year-old Brentford striker Michel Boni and domestic top scorer Sahid Ngobi (ASPAC). Prince Ricardo Dossou and Felipe Santos return to the fold to bolster the attacking options. AFCON regulars David Kiki and Sessi d'Almeida are among those missing from the March roster.
These matches serve as critical preparation for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Rohr emphasizing the need to test youth prospects against diverse opposition like the Syli Nationale and Palestine.
