Senegal vehemently rejects CAF verdict, set to appeal AFCON title decision in Morocco’s favour
By Uzor Odigbo
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly rejected the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco, describing the ruling as unjust and procedurally flawed.
CAF’s Appeal Board, meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after players and staff temporarily walked off the pitch during extra time in protest at a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco.
Although the team returned—prompted in part by captain Sadio Mané—and completed the match, winning 1-0 in extra time, the board deemed the action a breach of competition regulations (Articles 82 and 84), annulling the result and recording a 3-0 walkover victory for Morocco.
In response, the FSF condemned the decision as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” arguing that the walk-off was a spontaneous reaction to a perceived refereeing error rather than an abandonment, and that the match was ultimately played to conclusion on the field. Officials insist sporting merit should prevail.
The federation has confirmed it will appeal the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, potentially leading to a prolonged legal process that could delay official confirmation of the champions.
Legal experts suggest the case may challenge CAF’s disciplinary frameworks on match interruptions and player conduct, possibly prompting regulatory reviews.
The ruling has sparked intense debate across Africa, with fans, former players, and officials questioning the precedent of overturning a completed continental final. Many express concerns over trust in officiating and governance in African football.
While Morocco has been recognised as champions pending any appeal outcome, celebrations in Rabat contrast with protests and disappointment in Senegal, highlighting the emotional stakes.
Observers warn that the controversy could have lasting implications for the sport’s integrity on the continent, as attention shifts to the impending CAS battle that may ultimately decide one of AFCON’s most dramatic finals.
