Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, a Swiss-based tribunal confirmed Wednesday.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is contesting CAF’s ruling that awarded the championship to hosts Morocco after Senegal players briefly abandoned the pitch during the final on January 18. Senegal had originally won the match 1-0 in extra time.
“The CAS confirms receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation against CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation,” the tribunal stated, noting that Senegal seeks to have the original result reinstated.
CAF’s March 17 decision came after it upheld Morocco’s appeal, citing a violation of tournament regulations due to Senegal’s walk-off.
By declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match, CAF officially awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and, with it, the continental crown.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasised that the arbitration process would be conducted swiftly while ensuring fairness for all parties involved.
“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final outcome, and we will proceed in a manner that respects the rights of all stakeholders,” he said.
The match’s contentious moment arrived in injury time, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review of a challenge by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.
Senegal players temporarily refused to continue, prompting nearly 20 minutes of halted play and angered fans attempting a pitch invasion.
Eventually, under the urging of captain Sadio Mane, Senegal returned to the field.
Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure what would have been their second AFCON title, following their first win in 2022.
Morocco’s football federation responded to CAF’s reversal, noting that their appeal was “solely intended to enforce competition regulations, not to challenge the sporting performances” of the teams.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation’s commitment to respecting CAS decisions.
“African football federations have the right to appeal, and CAF will abide by the outcome determined at the highest level,” he said.
Both nations are now preparing for upcoming international fixtures.
Senegal faces Peru at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, while Morocco under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui, would play Ecuador in Madrid on Friday, followed by Paraguay in Lens, France, on March 31.
The outcome of the CAS appeal would not only determine the rightful AFCON champion but could also set a precedent for handling regulatory disputes in African football tournaments.
