The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed it is prepared to address any complaint from Morocco following the team’s protest in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow made the comments while welcoming the national team, the Lions, at Blaise Diagne International Airport on Monday evening.
The Senegalese team left the pitch briefly during the final to protest a penalty awarded by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, a decision that sparked controversy.
“We are ready to respond to any potential complaint from Morocco,” Sow told APS, echoing the stance of FSF President Abdoulaye Fall, who had previously said there was no cause for concern regarding possible sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Monday that it was considering appealing to both CAF and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to review Senegal’s withdrawal from the field during the final.
The Moroccan federation claimed the incident had a “significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the performance of the players.”
Sow’s statement underlines Senegal’s readiness to defend its position and manage any proceedings arising from the protest.
The FSF’s firm stance reflects its view that the actions taken during the match were a legitimate expression of the team’s concerns and that the federation is well-prepared to address any official complaints.
The AFCON 2025 final has generated widespread debate, with fans and analysts divided over the handling of critical decisions by the referee.
Senegal’s proactive response signals its determination to safeguard its national team and maintain its standing on the continental stage, while awaiting official decisions from CAF or FIFA.
The FSF emphasized that it views these proceedings as part of the broader responsibility of football federations to navigate disputes and ensure fair play, highlighting the importance of leadership and preparedness in high-profile competitions.
