The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially declared war on the Confederation of African Football following the controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and award it to Morocco national football team.
In a strongly worded communiqué from Dakar, the federation described the ruling as “iniquitous, unprecedented and unacceptable” and confirmed it will immediately file an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
FSF Rejects CAF Ruling
The FSF confirmed it received official notification of the CAF Appeal Board’s decision on March 17, 2026, under case reference DC23316.
The ruling upheld Morocco’s appeal and:
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Annulled the earlier decision that cleared Senegal
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Found Senegal guilty under Articles 82 and 84
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Awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory
Senegal’s federation did not hold back, insisting the decision undermines sporting integrity and African football as a whole.
The Key Twist: A Procedural Technicality
One critical detail shaping this controversy is how Morocco’s appeal succeeded.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation initially challenged the disciplinary ruling on the grounds that their right to be heard was not respected.
The Appeal Board agreed—effectively reopening the case on procedural grounds before ruling against Senegal.
This means the entire decision may hinge on a technical flaw in the original process, something Senegal’s legal team is expected to aggressively challenge at CAS.
Players React With Defiance
Senegal’s players have already shown they are not backing down.
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Moussa Niakhaté posted: “Come and get it! They’re mad!” alongside an image of the trophy
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El Hadj Malick Diouf added: “This thing isn’t going anywhere.”
Their reactions suggest the squad has no intention of surrendering the title quietly.
The Sadio Mané Irony
Perhaps the most striking twist involves Sadio Mané.
During the controversial 15-minute walk-off, Mané reportedly urged his teammates to return to the pitch and respect the game—an intervention that allowed the match to continue.
Senegal went on to win 1-0, yet the same incident is now the basis for stripping them of the title.
In effect, one of the players who tried to preserve the integrity of the match is now among those punished.
What Happens Next
Road to CAS
The FSF will file its appeal soon, but proceedings at CAS could take 6–12 months, meaning the dispute will drag on well into the future.
Morocco’s Current Status
For now, Morocco will be officially recognised as AFCON 2025 champions unless CAS overturns the decision.
Senegal’s Response
Senegal’s players still reportedly hold their winner’s medals, and there is no indication they intend to return them.
A Defining Moment for African Football
This case is no longer just about a trophy—it’s about:
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The authority of governing bodies
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The integrity of competition
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The balance between on-field results and administrative rulings
With strong language from Senegal and a legal battle now inevitable, this dispute is set to become one of the most significant cases in African football history.
The final verdict will not be decided on the pitch—but in court. ⚖️⚽