No order to return AFCON title – Senegal FA sets record straight on CAF Appeal ruling

Senegal legal team led by Seydou Diagne, insists there is official ruling ordering the return of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, despite the decision to overturn the final result by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board.

Amid the ongoing controversy, Diagne swiftly moved to clear the air over the swirling speculation surrounding the Appeals Committee’s decision.

According to Diagne, Morocco had tabled four major requests during both the initial proceedings and the subsequent appeal. These included recognition that Senegal withdrew from the disputed match, validation of a 3-0 win by default in Morocco’s favor, the stripping of Senegal’s AFCON title, and the reassignment of all associated rewards—ranging from the trophy and medals to prize money—to Morocco.

However, Diagne emphasized that while certain elements of the appeal were examined, the most consequential demands were ultimately dismissed by the Appeals Jury.

“In the ruling that was notified to us, the Appeals Jury rejected the last two requests,” he revealed, referring specifically to the calls to strip Senegal of the title and transfer the tournament rewards.

The clarification directly contradicts reports circulating in recent days suggesting that Senegal had been instructed to hand back their title, a claim that has fueled confusion and debate across the football community.

Diagne was unequivocal in his conclusion, stressing that no directive has been issued compelling Senegal to surrender any part of their AFCON triumph.

“There is today also no decision from the Appeals Jury ordering the restitution of the medals and the trophy,” he stated.

His remarks are expected to ease tensions among Senegalese stakeholders while also shifting focus back onto the official documentation of CAF’s ruling, as both nations continue to navigate the fallout from one of the most contentious disputes in recent African football history.

With clarity now emerging from the legal front, attention will likely turn to how CAF manages communication around its decisions to avoid further misinformation and preserve the integrity of its competitions.