Kwesi Nyantakyi has raised serious legal concerns over CAF’s decision to overturn the AFCON final result, insisting the ruling was based on a flawed interpretation of its own regulations.
According to the former GFA boss, the Confederation of African Football misapplied key provisions of its disciplinary code.
“There was a misconception, misinterpretation and misapplication of Articles 82 and 83,” he explained.
Nyantakyi argued that those articles are general guidelines and should not have been used when more specific rules—outlined in Articles 88 to 106—exist to address such situations.
He also dismissed the idea that Senegal’s brief protest during the final warranted such a severe punishment.
“In highly charged matches, players may protest decisions or even stage brief walkouts. That alone does not amount to a serious offence unless the match is abandoned,” he noted.
Referencing the incident, he pointed out that the game resumed and was completed, making the forfeiture decision unjustifiable.
Nyantakyi further backed his argument by citing the authority of match officials.
“The referee is the judge of facts. The match was completed, so any contrary decision has no basis in the laws of the game,” he stated.
He concluded by warning that decisions taken off the pitch could damage trust among fans, sponsors and stakeholders if not properly justified.