An online campaign alleging that Morocco withdrew from the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations and could face a retroactive title review has been dismissed by a former Guinean international, amid a lack of official confirmation from football authorities.
The claims, circulating on social media and some media outlets, suggest that the Guinea Football Federation is seeking to revisit the 1976 tournament and strip Morocco of its title, citing recent disciplinary decisions by the Confederation of African Football.
Some posts also alleged that Morocco withdrew from the decisive match against Guinea and that the latter is seeking the return of the trophy.
However, no such statements have been published on the official platforms of the Guinea Football Federation.
Ismail Sylla, who played for Guinea in the 1976 tournament, rejected the claims, calling them false. Speaking on the program “African Journal” aired on TV5 Monde, Sylla said Morocco did not withdraw from the match.
He explained that after Guinean player Souleymane Chérif scored, Moroccan players remained on the pitch and continued playing.
“They continued the match as normal and went on to equalize in the closing minutes, around the 88th or 89th minute,” Sylla said.
He added that the match unfolded in a “completely normal atmosphere,” contradicting claims circulating online.
The 1976 tournament, held in Ethiopia, remains Morocco’s only Africa Cup of Nations title.
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