Senegal has announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being controversially stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declaring Morocco the 2025 champions.
The decision comes two months after a chaotic final held in Rabat.
The drama unfolded on January 18 when several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco during second-half stoppage time. Captain Sadio Mané eventually coaxed his teammates back onto the field, but Morocco missed the spot-kick. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, seemingly giving Senegal a 1-0 victory.
CAF, however, ruled in favor of Morocco, stating that Senegal had forfeited the match. “The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” CAF said, officially recording the result as 3-0 to Morocco. The decision was based on Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which state that a team leaving the pitch without the referee’s authorization shall forfeit the match and be eliminated from the competition.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) defended its appeal, saying it “was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations.” The FRMF emphasized its commitment to “respecting the rules, to the clarity of the competitive framework, and to the stability of African competitions.”
Senegal, meanwhile, has vowed to contest CAF’s ruling. “The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the federation said, confirming that it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The final was marred by further chaos, including a near pitch invasion by Senegalese supporters and a nearly 20-minute halt as players protested the late penalty. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala had awarded the spot-kick following a VAR review of a challenge on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy successfully saved the attempt.
Following the match, FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the actions of some Senegalese players, stating, “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”
Several Senegalese players also voiced their frustration on social media. Defender Moussa Niakhate posted a photo of himself lifting the AFCON trophy, adding, “they’re mad,” seemingly referencing CAF’s decision.
CAF had previously issued fines on both federations for unsportsmanlike conduct and violations of fair play principles. The appeal trial of 18 Senegalese supporters, who were imprisoned after the final for “hooliganism,” has been postponed until March 30.
