A frontline African football analyst, Mamadou Gaye has lauded the integrity and professionalism of Nigerian jurist Roli Daibo-Harriman following a significant ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Committee in the wake of the contentious Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board recently revoked Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations title, granting Morocco a 3-0 victory after a disputed final held on January 18.
Senegal was found to have violated regulations by leaving the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty, which led to a 17-minute delay.
Despite Sadio Mané persuading his teammates to return, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Senegal after extra time, Articles 82 stipulate that any team that refuses to continue play or departs the pitch without the referee’s consent is considered to have forfeited the match.
Article 84 further clarifies that such an infraction results in a 3-0 defeat and disqualification from the tournament.
Gaye praised the leadership of the CAF Appeal Committee, emphasizing the contributions of the esteemed Nigerian judge Roli Daibo-Harriman.
“The Disciplinary Committee made a ruling. Senegal did not contest it, while Morocco did. Senegal accepted the penalty because they recognized it as a significant outcome, they understood their actions,” Gaye stated on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa.
“Morocco lodged a protest. The Appeal Committee is chaired by a highly respected Nigerian female judge, a very honorable woman.
“They reached their decision based on thorough investigations. They even reviewed all the footage from the stadium. This is the purpose of the Appeal Committee. Following the Appeal Committee’s decision, one can approach the Court of Arbitration.
“Emotions are running high because, for the first time in African history, we have a president who does not interfere with committees — disciplinary, appeal, referees. Everyone operates with complete independence and transparency.”
The 65-year-old Roli Daibo-Harriman, is a High Court judge in Delta State with expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution, was elected Chair of the CAF Appeal Board in 2023.