The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco national football team, announcing plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
CAF declared Morocco champions on Tuesday after overturning the result of the final against Senegal national football team. The governing body ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match following a brief walk-off by its players during the game in Rabat on January 19.
According to CAF, the match was recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco after the Appeal Board upheld a protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football. The protest followed chaotic scenes late in the final when Senegalese players left the pitch in protest after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the host nation.
CAF said the incident fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament’s regulations relating to misconduct and forfeiture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, the Senegalese federation said it had received the decision of CAF’s Appeal Committee in case DC23316, which stemmed from a complaint filed during the final match.
The federation explained that the appeal board overturned an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board, citing a procedural flaw that denied Morocco the right to be properly heard during the initial proceedings.
However, the FSF strongly criticised the verdict, describing it as unjust and harmful to the reputation of African football.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the statement said.
The federation confirmed it would take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, in a bid to defend its position.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the statement added.
The FSF also reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and sporting justice, promising to keep the public informed as the legal process unfolds.