The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board awarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, confirming it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAF on Tuesday declared Morocco champions of the 2025 AFCON after overturning the result of the final against Senegal. The appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match following a walk-off during the game in Rabat on January 19.
In its decision, CAF stated that the Senegal national team forfeited the final, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Moroccan Football Federation.
The ruling came after Morocco lodged a protest over chaotic scenes late in the match, when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch following a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts.
The appeal board determined that the action violated Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations on misconduct and forfeiture.
Reacting in a statement, the Senegalese federation said it had taken note of the verdict but strongly disagreed with the outcome, describing it as unfair and damaging to the credibility of African football.
According to the federation, the CAF Appeal Board overturned an earlier ruling by its disciplinary body due to a procedural flaw, specifically citing that Morocco’s right to be heard was not respected during initial proceedings.
However, the Senegalese body rejected the conclusion that its team’s conduct warranted forfeiture, insisting the decision was unprecedented and unacceptable.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the statement read.
The federation confirmed it will escalate the matter to CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, in a bid to overturn the ruling and defend its position.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” it added.
The dispute sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that could determine the final outcome of the 2025 AFCON tournament and test governance standards within African football.