By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
AFCON 2025 Final Row Deepens as Senegal Heads to CAS After Morocco Awarded Title
The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, confirming plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
CAF’s Appeal Board on Tuesday overturned the outcome of the final played in Rabat on January 19, declaring Morocco national football team winners after ruling that Senegal national football team forfeited the match. The governing body recorded the result as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco.
The decision followed a protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football after a tense end to the final. Senegal players had briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a goal was disallowed and a penalty awarded to the hosts—actions the appeal panel said violated competition rules on misconduct and match forfeiture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Senegalese federation said it had received formal notification of the ruling delivered on March 17, 2026, in relation to the final match of the tournament.
It noted that the appeal panel admitted Morocco’s complaint and overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing a procedural error during the initial hearing.
According to the federation, the appeal body held that Senegal’s actions fell under relevant provisions of the tournament regulations, leading to the forfeiture ruling and the revised scoreline.
However, the FSF strongly criticised the outcome, describing it as unjust and harmful to the integrity of African football. It argued that the decision sets a troubling precedent and undermines confidence in the continent’s football administration.
The federation confirmed it will take the matter to CAS in Lausanne, stating that it intends to pursue all legal avenues to defend its position and protect the interests of Senegalese football.
It added that it remains committed to due process and will continue to update the public as the case progresses.
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