Senegal winger Krepin Diatta has openly criticized the organizers of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, allegedly branding them as corrupt following Senegal’s elimination by Ivory Coast on Monday.
In an interview with France 24, the 24-year-old Monaco player expressed his discontent, specifically targeting the center referee, Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and CAF staff in the mixed zone for their decision not to award Senegal a penalty.
After the final whistle, Diatta exclaimed, “You have killed us. You are corrupt. Keep your African Cup.”
In the heated aftermath, Diatta accused gathered officials, stating, “You go to the VAR to give them a penalty, while our guy (Sarr) picks up the ball 40 meters from goal, goes on a run into the box, and you don’t want to go to VAR? I’m sorry, but that is going too far. They have killed our competition.”
Ivory Coast secured victory over Senegal, winning 5-4 on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament.