Senegal to challenge CAF’s ‘unfair, unprecedented, unacceptable’ AFCON 2025 final decision

2026-03-18 - 07:43

By Emmanuel Okogba The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly condemned the March 17, 2026 ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board and announced it will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. The ruling overturned an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board and declared that Senegal forfeited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, awarding the match 3-0 to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) on the grounds that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. Morocco’s protest followed chaotic scenes late in the final that saw Senegalese players briefly leave the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts. The Appeals Board had found the FRMF’s appeal admissible, stating that the Senegalese side’s right to be heard had not been respected in the initial proceedings. In an official statement released in response to CAF’s Tuesday decision, the FSF described the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” arguing that it undermines the integrity of African football. “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football,” the FSF said. The federation confirmed it will file an appeal with CAS “as soon as possible” to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football. “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,” the statement added. The controversial final, match no. 52 of the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, has now become the subject of prolonged legal proceedings following the initial protest and counter-appeal.