By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Senegal’s football authorities have rejected the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, confirming plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAF had on Tuesday crowned Morocco champions of the 2025 AFCON after overturning the outcome of the final against Senegal, ruling that the West African side forfeited the match following a walk-off during the January 19 encounter in Rabat.
In its decision, CAF declared that Senegal forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025, 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 Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest of a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts. The Appeal Board held that the action breached Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and forfeiture.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it had received the decision delivered by CAF’s Appeal Committee in case DC23316, which arose from a complaint filed during the final.
The federation explained that the Appeal Board upheld Morocco’s protest and overturned the earlier ruling of CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing a procedural flaw in the initial hearing which, it said, failed to respect the appellant’s right to be heard.
According to the FSF, the committee ruled that Senegal’s conduct fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, resulting in the forfeiture decision and the 3–0 scoreline in favour of Morocco.
However, the Senegalese body faulted the outcome, describing it as unfair, unprecedented and damaging to the credibility of African football. It also confirmed it would file an appeal before CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, to defend its position and protect the interests of Senegalese football.
The federation reaffirmed its commitment to due process and pledged to keep the public informed as the case progresses.
