Senegal slams ‘unfair’ CAF decision to strip them of AFCON title, goes to CAS for ‘justice’

The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it will challenge a decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip the national team of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

In a statement released following the announcement, Senegal made clear its intention to contest what it described as an “unfair” ruling by the continent’s governing body.

The decision comes after CAF upheld an appeal lodged by Morocco, leading to a reversal of the earlier outcome that had awarded the title to the Teranga Lions.

The development marks a significant escalation in the dispute surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which had initially concluded with Senegal as champions.

CAF’s latest move, however, has altered that result, prompting a swift response from Senegalese football authorities.

Senegal’s federation stated that it would take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest authority for resolving disputes in international sport.

The move signals the country’s determination to seek a review of the decision through legal channels.

The governing body did not provide further details in its statement beyond confirming its disagreement with CAF’s ruling and its intention to pursue the case.

The language used underscored the federation’s belief that the outcome does not reflect a fair process.

CAF had earlier confirmed that its decision followed an appeal process initiated by Morocco, though specifics of the appeal were not outlined in the announcement.

The ruling effectively removes Senegal from its position as tournament winners, pending any further developments from the anticipated legal challenge.

The case is now expected to move into a new phase, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport set to become the next stage in the dispute.

For Senegal, the focus will be on overturning a decision that has reshaped the outcome of one of Africa’s most prominent football competitions.

As the situation develops, attention will remain on how the arbitration process unfolds and whether Senegal can succeed in restoring its status as champions of AFCON 2025.