Senegal insist AFCON champions status stands amid CAS appeal ahead of France World Cup clash

The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, has maintained that Senegal still consider themselves Africa Cup of Nations champions despite the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip them of the title following January’s controversial final.

Speaking ahead of Senegal’s 2026 World Cup opener against France national football team, Sow said the situation remains unresolved as the case continues to be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The aftermath of January’s Africa Cup of Nations final has continued to cast a long shadow over Senegal’s preparations for the global tournament.

Senegal had initially been crowned champions after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco, but the match descended into controversy when most of their players walked off in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

Following the incident, the Confederation of African Football (Confederation of African Football) moved to strip Senegal of the title as part of disciplinary action, a decision that has since been challenged.

Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Court of Arbitration for Sport), and a final ruling is still pending.

“It is clear that until we get the decision of the CAS, Senegal remain the champions of Africa,” said Sow in an interview with AFP.

“We are just focused on the World Cup. For us, the AFCON is behind us. We won it on the pitch, and there is a legal battle ongoing.”

He added that the federation remains confident in the judicial process.

“We have faith in the CAS. They will make a decision when the time comes. But that is not our priority right now.”

The dispute adds an unusual backdrop to Senegal’s World Cup campaign, with attention now turning to their high-profile Group stage meeting with France, while the off-field legal battle over continental glory continues to unfold.