Senegal hit back at 'unfair' CAF call as CAS appeal looms

The Senegalese Football Federation has reacted to the Confederation of African Football's decision to declare Morocco the champions of the 2025 AFCON.

In the early hours of Wednesday, people in Senegal woke up to the heartbreaking news that they were no longer African champions after CAF overturned the result of the final.

READ | JUST IN: CAF crown Morocco 2025 AFCON champions

This follows a ruling by the CAF Appeal Board, which reversed the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations decider and officially handed the title to Morocco.

The final was overshadowed by controversy, as Senegal walked off the pitch late in the match following a penalty awarded to Morocco, which was ultimately missed.

Senegal went on to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time, but the Appeal Board has since ruled otherwise, awarding the match to Morocco and effectively forfeiting the result against Senegal.

"The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered on March 17, 2026, by the Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in case DC23316," the federation stated.

"This procedure follows the complaint filed during match no. 52 of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, between Senegal and Morocco.

"By this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) admissible and accepted it.

"In doing so, the body overturned the decision that had been rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, on the grounds that the appellant's right to be heard had not been respected during the first instance proceedings.

"The Appeals Committee also determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

"Consequently, CAF declared that the FSF had violated Article 82 and awarded the match by forfeit to Senegal, with a recorded score of 3-0 in favour of the FRMF, pursuant to Article 84.

READ | OFFICIAL: Rulani joins African giants after Alger departure

"The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football," Senegal added.

"To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne

"The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values ​​of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of developments in this matter."

Related tags

2025 Africa Cup Of Nations CAF Confederation Of African Football (CAF) Morocco Senegal Fa