By Obinna Uballa
The Senegalese Football Federation has fiercely rejected a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board that handed the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco, announcing plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAF had overturned the initial outcome of the final, declaring that Senegal forfeited the match following a walk-off during the decisive clash in Rabat. The governing body subsequently awarded a 3-0 victory – and the title – to Morocco.
“The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match… with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” CAF stated in its ruling.
The controversy erupted after chaotic scenes late in the game, when Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch in protest over a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts.
In its response, the federation confirmed receipt of the March 17, 2026 decision by CAF’s Appeals Committee but strongly condemned the outcome.
“With this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation admissible and accepted it… on the grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings,” the statement read.
Describing the verdict as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” the federation said it undermines the integrity of African football, vowing to seek redress at CAS.
