Senegal heads to court over AFCON title decision

The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco and confirmed plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CAF had on Tuesday declared Morocco champions after ruling that Senegal forfeited the final in Rabat following a walk-off during the match. The appeal board awarded a 3–0 victory to Morocco, citing breaches of competition regulations.

According to CAF, Senegal’s actions during the chaotic closing stages of the final—when players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty decision—constituted misconduct under Articles 82 and 84, leading to the forfeiture ruling.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Senegalese federation said it had formally received the decision but strongly disagreed with it, noting that the appeal board overturned an earlier ruling by the disciplinary committee over what it described as a procedural flaw.

The FSF criticised the verdict as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” warning that it undermines the credibility of African football.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the statement said.

The body added that it remains committed to due process and sporting integrity, pledging to keep the public updated as the legal challenge progresses.

The latest development sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that could ultimately determine the rightful winner of one of the most controversial finals in Africa Cup of Nations history.

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