Online Reporter
Sky Bet has confirmed it will pay out customers who backed Morocco to lift the Africa Cup of Nations, after the Atlas Lions were officially declared winners following a highly controversial final against Senegal.
The match, played on January 18, saw Senegal walk off the pitch for more than 15 minutes in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty.
However, Morocco missed the spot-kick, providing Senegal the opportunity to win it in extra time.
And that they did, as Papa Gueye scored in the fourth minute of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory for the West African nation.
However, on Tuesday – two months after the final – CAF’s (Confederation of African Football) appeal board overturned the result, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarding Morocco a 3-0 win.
CAF concluded that Senegal had breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which triggered the application of Article 84.
Article 82 states that if a team refuses to continue playing or leaves the field before the end of regulation time without the referee’s permission, it will be deemed to have lost the match and be eliminated from the competition.
Article 84 builds on this, specifying that any team found to have violated Article 82 will be permanently eliminated and automatically lose the match 3–0.
Sky Bet has honoured bets on both sides, meaning punters who backed either Morocco or Senegal have been paid out.
The final will be remembered for its extraordinary twists and controversy, but for bettors, it proved a rare occasion where everyone came away a winner.- Daily Mail
derick.khumalo