Senegal to head to CAS after CAF decision to strip AFCON 2025 title

The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly condemned the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip the nation of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco, describing the ruling as unjust and damaging to the credibility of the game on the continent.

Senegal awoke on Wednesday to the stunning development that their triumph in the AFCON final had been overturned, following a verdict delivered by CAF’s Appeal Board late on March 17, 2026.

The board ruled in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, reversing an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory by default.

The original final had ended in dramatic fashion, with Senegal claiming a 1–0 win after extra time.

However, the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch late in regulation time in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco—an effort that was ultimately missed.

In a detailed statement, the Senegalese FA confirmed receipt of the Appeal Board’s decision and outlined the basis for the ruling.

“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered on March 17, 2026, by the Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in case DC23316,” the federation stated.

“This procedure follows the complaint filed during match no. 52 of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, between Senegal and Morocco.

“By this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) admissible and accepted it.

“In doing so, the body overturned the decision that had been rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, on the grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected during the first instance proceedings.

“The Appeals Committee also determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

“Consequently, CAF declared that the FSF had violated Article 82 and awarded the match by forfeit to Senegal, with a recorded score of 3-0 in favour of the FRMF, pursuant to Article 84.

“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football,” Senegal added.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne

“The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values ​​of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of developments in this matter.”

Reaffirming its stance, the federation insisted it remains committed to the principles of integrity and sporting justice, while promising to keep the public informed as the legal battle unfolds.