AFCON 2025: Ex-CAF Vice President Senghor condemns ruling stripping Senegal title

A senior figure within African football has strongly criticised the decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, describing the ruling as damaging to the credibility of the game on the continent.

Augustin Senghor, a former CAF Vice President and a current member of the CAF Executive Committee has voiced his opposition after Morocco were awarded the 2025 AFCON title following a controversial appeals ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The decision, announced two months after the final, saw Senegal’s 1-0 victory annulled and replaced with a 3-0 forfeiture, handing Morocco their first continental title in 50 years.

Senghor reacted angrily in a message posted on social media, questioning both the process and the integrity of the decision.

“They dared to do that! They dared to replace the referee of the Final in violation of the Laws of the Game! Africa and the world will recognize the champions of the 2026 AFCON in Morocco. Senegal will keep its trophy no matter what. This is too bad for African football!”

Controversial final at centre of decision

The ruling stems from dramatic scenes during the AFCON final in Rabat on 18 January, when Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The protest led to a delay of around 15 minutes, during which tensions escalated, including attempts by fans to invade the pitch.

When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and the match went into extra time, where Senegal eventually scored the winning goal.

Initially, CAF’s disciplinary bodies sanctioned both teams with fines and bans exceeding $1 million for misconduct but allowed the result to stand.

However, Morocco lodged an appeal, arguing that Senegal’s actions breached tournament regulations.

CAF’s Appeals Committee later ruled that Senegal had violated Articles 82 and 84, which state that any team that leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission is deemed to have forfeited the match.

As a result, Senegal were declared to have lost the final, and Morocco were awarded the title.

Senegal vow to fight decision

The decision has triggered a strong reaction across Senegal, with football authorities and players expressing disbelief.

The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed its intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to overturn what many in the country view as an unprecedented decision.

Players have also publicly shown their discontent, with defender Moussa Niakhaté posting an image of himself holding the trophy alongside the words “Pour l’éternité” (for eternity), while also writing “Ils sont fous” (they are mad), in apparent reference to CAF.

Senghor’s intervention adds further weight to the criticism, particularly given his position within CAF’s own leadership structures.

Wider implications for African football

The controversy has cast a shadow over what had otherwise been regarded as a successful tournament hosted by Morocco.

The competition had showcased high-quality football and strong organisation, but the post-final developments have shifted attention to governance and regulatory enforcement within African football.

Senghor’s remarks reflect growing concern among stakeholders about how such decisions are made and the potential impact on the sport’s reputation.

His statement that “This is too bad for African football!” highlights fears that the situation could undermine confidence in CAF’s disciplinary processes.

Uncertain resolution ahead

With Senegal preparing to appeal to CAS, the final outcome of the dispute remains uncertain.

Should the ruling be overturned, it could restore Senegal’s title and raise further questions about CAF’s decision-making structures.

If upheld, it would mark one of the most controversial moments in AFCON history, redefining the outcome of a final long after the trophy had been lifted.

For now, the debate continues, with Senghor’s outspoken criticism ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of African football discourse as the continent awaits the next chapter in this unprecedented saga.