Senegal football corruption inquiry resumes ahead of AFCON title hearing

Senegalese authorities have reopened an investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the election of Abdullah Fall as president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), with police in Dakar beginning a series of hearings.

Moustapha Bitye is expected to be the first person questioned next Monday, according to Senegalese newspaper L’Observateur. Abdullah Fall is due to be interviewed later in the week, followed by other officials within the federation.

Fall is currently outside Dakar but has been informed that he has been summoned. The investigation is examining allegations that votes were bought and that promises of “illicit benefits” were made to influence the election process.

The case follows a complaint filed by Mamadou Kanji against Fall, as well as Elimane Lam, Moussa Mbaye, Moustapha Bitye and Njambi Diop. The allegations were reported by Futur Media.

Senegal’s public prosecutor ordered an investigation to be opened in September 2025. The renewed hearings come at a sensitive time for football in the country, with the federation also dealing with the unresolved dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

That case is before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the tournament to Morocco following a controversial final in Rabat.

CAF withdrew the title from Senegal and declared Morocco, known as the Atlas Lions, 3-0 winners after Senegal withdrew from the match. Senegal’s federation contests that decision and continues to recognise the result recorded on the pitch: a 1-0 victory for the Lions of Teranga after extra time.

CAS has scheduled a hearing for 8 October 2026. No date has yet been announced for the final ruling.

The corruption investigation and the title dispute have placed the Senegalese federation under renewed scrutiny as it prepares to defend its position over both the election process and the outcome of the Africa Cup of Nations final.