The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly condemned the dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee to overturn the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, in a development that has sent shockwaves across the footballing world.
On Tuesday, and as earlier reported by News Round The Clock, CAF’s Appeals Board ruled in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, awarding the final to Morocco national football team by forfeiture, with a 3–0 scoreline.
The decision effectively strips the Senegal national football team of a 1–0 victory secured after extra time in the original encounter.
According to CAF, the ruling followed a review of events during the final, where Senegal players reportedly walked off the pitch in protest over refereeing decisions. The Appeals Committee determined that the conduct breached Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations, leading to the forfeiture and subsequent reassignment of the title.
Senegal FA condemns ruling as “unfair” and heads to CAS to challenge controversial forfeiture decision
In a strongly worded press statement issued on March 17, 2026, the Senegalese FA rejected the verdict, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable.”
The federation argued that the decision undermines the integrity of African football and sets a dangerous precedent for the governance of the game on the continent.
The FSF further disclosed that the Appeals Committee’s ruling overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing procedural concerns, particularly that Morocco’s right to be heard had not been fully respected during the initial proceedings. Despite this, Senegal insists the final outcome is unjust and damaging to the credibility of the sport.
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Reaffirming its commitment to what it described as “integrity and sporting justice,” the federation confirmed that it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAS to make final decision
The controversy has sparked widespread debate among fans, analysts, and stakeholders, raising fresh questions about officiating standards, disciplinary processes, and administrative transparency within African football’s governing structures.
With the case now heading to the sport’s highest judicial authority, the final chapter of the 2025 AFCON may yet be unwritten. Until then, CAF’s decision stands, with Morocco recognised as champions, while Senegal continues its fight for reinstatement.
Tags: CAF, CAS, Confederation of African Football, Court of Arbitration for Sport, Senegal, Morocco, AFCON final, #AFCON2025, Atlas Lions, Lions of Teranga.
