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FIFA backs CAF decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title, docked ranking points

Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah March 28, 2026

Senegal players celebrating with AFCON trophy

Senegal’s turbulent aftermath following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final has deepened, with FIFA effectively endorsing the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip the West African nation of their continental title.

The ruling, which saw Morocco awarded the title on appeal weeks after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory in January, has now had wider consequences, including a drop in the latest FIFA world rankings after points earned from the final were removed.

Senegal, who had climbed to 12th in the world following their triumph, have slipped two places to 14th with 1684.86 points, overtaken by both Italy and Colombia.

This has been confirmed on the official website of FIFA which has got Morocco going up in the ranking while clearly declaring that Senegal forfeited the final of Africa’s flagship competition.

Senegal on the hand have been made to suffer by dropping in the ranking after being declared to have forfeited the fixture thus leading to the drop in ranking.

The development marks a double blow for the Lions of Teranga, who not only lost their crown but have also seen their global standing affected.

FIFA page confirning that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON final

Title controversy continues to spark reaction

The decision by CAF’s appeals committee to overturn the result of the AFCON final has sparked widespread debate, with many in Senegal viewing the ruling as unjust.

The original victory, sealed by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal against Morocco, had been celebrated as a major milestone for Senegalese football. However, the subsequent decision to strip the title on what has been described as a technicality has left players, officials and supporters frustrated.

Despite the setback, Senegal’s players and federation have called for unity ahead of their upcoming international fixtures, including a high-profile friendly against Peru in Paris.

At the Stade de France this weekend, fans are expected to gather in large numbers, with plans for a symbolic moment of solidarity involving the AFCON trophy — even as the official status of that triumph remains disputed.

Impact on global rankings

FIFA’s latest rankings update reflects the direct consequences of the CAF decision, with Senegal’s victory over Morocco no longer recognised in the points calculation.

The removal of those points has seen Senegal drop behind Italy (1702.06 points) and Colombia (1701.30 points), underlining how administrative decisions can influence competitive standings beyond the pitch.

While the drop is relatively small, it represents a significant symbolic setback for a team that had reached its highest-ever ranking.

For Morocco, the situation remains largely unchanged in the rankings despite gaining additional points. The Atlas Lions stay eighth in the world with 1754.59 points, but have edged closer to the teams above them, including the Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil.

A moment of resilience for Senegal

The controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a period of celebration for Senegal, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading football nations in recent years.

Yet the team’s response in the coming weeks may define how they move forward from one of the most contentious episodes in recent African football history.

With key players such as Sadio Mané still central to the squad, Senegal will be looking to refocus on upcoming international fixtures and long-term objectives, including preparations for future continental and global competitions.

Unresolved tensions linger

Although FIFA has not publicly overturned CAF’s decision, its adjustment of the rankings effectively confirms acceptance of the ruling’s outcome.

For many observers, the episode raises broader questions about governance, disciplinary procedures and the consistency of decisions at the highest levels of African football.

As Senegal prepare to take to the field once again, the sense of injustice remains — but so too does the determination to respond on the pitch.

The coming months will reveal whether the Lions of Teranga can turn controversy into motivation as they seek to restore their standing both in Africa and on the global stage.