Senegal faces Morocco’s wrath ahead of AFCON 2025 trophy ceremony

The controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title has taken a dramatic turn, with Morocco escalating its legal challenge against Senegal just hours before a planned trophy presentation ceremony in Paris.

The dispute stems from a decision by the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football, which overturned the original result of the final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by default over Senegal.

This ruling directly contradicts the outcome on the pitch, where Senegal had secured a 1-0 win after extra time to lift the trophy.

Despite the ruling, the Senegalese national team is preparing to present the AFCON trophy at the Stade de France, where they are scheduled to face Peru in an international friendly. Plans are underway for a grand ceremony featuring guest artists before the match, followed by the official display of the trophy.

The Senegalese Football Federation had reportedly been weighing its options in recent days following the CAF decision, but appears set to proceed with the celebration in Paris, further intensifying the standoff between the two nations.

Morocco’s response has been swift and firm. Mourad El Ajouti, president of the Moroccan Lawyers Club, confirmed that an official warning has been issued to the Stade de France as well as GL Events, the organisers of the ceremony.

“The Senegalese national team no longer legitimately holds the continental title (African Cup of Nations),” he stated.

He emphasised, “This celebration is based on a title that was officially withdrawn from the Senegalese Football Federation by the competent international sports authorities.”

El Ajouti grounded his argument in the CAF Appeals Committee’s ruling dated March 17, 2026, which reassigned the title to Morocco. According to him, the absence of any suspension from the Court of Arbitration for Sport means the decision remains fully enforceable.

He explained, “Since no stay of execution has been issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), I believe that Senegal’s display of the trophy constitutes a usurpation of the title and a clear and illegitimate violation.”

The Moroccan lawyer concluded, “I demand financial compensation if the concert is insisted upon.”

With both sides holding firm positions, the AFCON title saga has now entered a new and volatile phase, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion in the French capital.