Senegal has refused to relinquish its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially overturned the final result and awarded the trophy to Morocco.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Senegalese government has called for an “independent international investigation” into “suspected corruption” within CAF, describing the ruling as “an unprecedented and exceptionally serious decision” based on “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations.”
“Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the government said in a statement.
Senegal had defeated Morocco 1-0 in January’s final in Rabat, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner in extra time after Brahim Diaz’s stoppage-time penalty was saved. However, CAF reversed the outcome following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), ruling that Senegal forfeited the match after its players briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
CAF consequently awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.
Senegal to Challenge Decision at CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), insisting the decision undermines the integrity of the game.
“This decision is a breach of trust that is not based on any rule of law,” FSF secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow said.
“We felt that the jury wasn’t there to uphold the law, but to carry out an order.
“We will stop at nothing. The law is on our side. The fight is far from over. Senegal will defend its rights to the very end.”
Some Senegal players have also indicated they will not return their winners’ medals.
“We know what we experienced that evening in Rabat. And no-one can take that away from us,” midfielder Idrissa Gueye wrote on social media.
Controversial Walk-Off and Global Reaction
The dispute stems from a dramatic moment late in the final when Senegal players left the pitch in protest after referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute following a VAR review.
The players returned after a 17-minute delay, and the match continued into extra time.
The incident has prompted the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to review rules governing walk-offs, particularly when “players unilaterally decide to leave the field of play… as a means of protest against a referee’s decision.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incident, describing the walk-off as “unacceptable” and warning that such actions “must be condemned and never repeated.”
Match Marred by Controversy
The final, played in torrential rain, was overshadowed by multiple incidents, including alleged interference by ball boys who disrupted Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Reports also indicated that reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was tackled and dragged during the match.
CAF acknowledged some misconduct involving ball boys in its ruling but upheld Morocco’s victory while reducing fines imposed on the Moroccan FA.
Criticism and Divided Reactions
The decision has drawn criticism from football stakeholders, including former CAF Head of Disciplinary Raymond Hack, who warned of a dangerous precedent.
“The game should be won on the field of play, not in a boardroom,” Hack said, adding that only the referee has the authority to abandon a match.
Across Africa, reactions have been mixed. Moroccan journalist Jalal Bounar said the ruling was met with “great excitement and joy” in Morocco.
However, Algerian journalist Maher Mezahi described widespread backlash elsewhere.
“It feels like CAF has once again embarrassed the sport,” Mezahi said.
Appeal Could Take Months
Senegal’s appeal to CAS could take up to six months to resolve, prolonging uncertainty over the rightful AFCON champion.
The controversy has also reignited debate over officiating standards, VAR use, and governance within African football.
