Senegal govt demands international investigation into ‘suspicious corruption’ at CAF

Senegal has launched a vigorous challenge to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip the national team of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

The Teranga Lions, who defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time on January 18 in Rabat, are no longer officially recognized as champions following a ruling by CAF’s Appeals Committee.

The decision was based on Senegal’s 17-minute walk-off during the final after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco—a move deemed a breach of tournament regulations.

Article 82 stipulates that any team leaving the field without the referee’s permission will be considered to have forfeited the match.

As a result, Morocco are declared the winner with a 3-0 scoreline over Senegal, for their first title in 50 years.

However, the Senegalese government, speaking through Secretary of State Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, condemned the ruling as an “unjustified attempt at dispossession” and criticized it as a “manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations” that violates “sporting ethics.”

Dakar insisted the title was earned “on the field, in compliance with the rules of the game,” and called into question the integrity of the process.

To defend the national team, Senegal outlined plans for an independent investigation into alleged corruption within CAF and confirmed intentions to bring the case before “all competent bodies, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS),” in a bid to restore the official recognition of its victory.

The government also reaffirmed support for Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco after the final, pledging “total mobilization” to secure a favorable outcome.

“Senegal will remain resolute, vigilant, and unwavering in defending the rights of the national team and restoring the honor of African sport,” Faye stated.

CAF’s unprecedented ruling on March 17 awarded Morocco the championship by default, citing the temporary exit of Senegalese players from the pitch in protest as justification.

The decision sent shockwaves through African football, with former Senegal coach Claude Le Roy expressing “appallation” at what he described as the “farcical decisions of incompetents who run African football.”

Le Roy called the ruling “inexplicable and baseless,” predicting that CAS will overturn it and restore Senegal’s status as continental champions.

He added: “No one can imagine Senegal not being reinstated as African champions,” emphasizing the legitimacy of the team’s performance on the pitch.