Senegal Refuse To Return AFCON Trophy As Row With CAF Deepens

A full-blown dispute is unfolding in African football after the Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, triggering outrage in Dakar and a firm refusal to hand back the trophy.

Naija News reports that the controversy stems from CAF’s ruling on the 2025 final, where hosts Morocco were awarded a 3-0 win after the match was declared a walkover. The decision followed Senegal’s dramatic stoppage-time exit, ordered by head coach Pape Thiaw, after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

CAF held that Senegal’s walk-off breached the laws of the game. But the response from Senegal has been swift and defiant.

Government officials have rejected the verdict, describing it as “unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable”. They have also formally accused CAF of corruption and called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the decision.

In a symbolic show of support, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal changed his profile picture to the AFCON trophy, demonstrating the country’s stance as tensions escalate.

The row has taken on a wider dimension, with Senegal raising concerns over reports that its citizens are being detained in Morocco. The claims have added diplomatic strain to an already volatile situation.

Within the Senegalese Football Federation, there is no sign of compromise. Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow has insisted the trophy will not be returned, reinforcing the country’s stand.