The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly opposed a shocking decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Jury to strip Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown months after the tournament concluded in Morocco.
In a dramatic turn of events, CAF announced on Tuesday that Senegal’s AFCON triumph had been annulled, awarding a 3-0 victory and effectively the title to the Morocco national football team. The ruling followed a successful appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), overturning an earlier verdict by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
Controversy Surrounding the Final
The decision stems from chaotic scenes during the final match when the Senegal national football team players walked off the pitch for over 17 minutes in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
After intervention from captain Sadio Mané, the Senegalese players returned to resume the game. The Teranga Lions eventually secured a narrow victory, thanks to a decisive goal from Pape Gueye, after Brahim Díaz missed the controversial penalty that had sparked the protest.
However, CAF later ruled that Senegal’s actions violated competition rules. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, the governing body determined that the team’s conduct warranted forfeiture of the match.
Senegal Set for Legal Battle
In response, the FSF has firmly rejected the ruling and confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible,” the FSF stated.
Additional Sanctions and Decisions
CAF’s Appeals Board also reviewed other incidents from the heated final. Ismael Saibari of Morocco was found guilty of misconduct, though his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. A previously imposed fine of $100,000 was also отменён.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan federation was held accountable for the behavior of ball boys during the match, with their fine reduced to $50,000. However, CAF upheld a separate $100,000 fine related to interference near the VAR review area, while a sanction linked to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.
All other appeals submitted in relation to the final were dismissed, closing one chapter of the controversy while potentially opening another as the case heads toward CAS.
