AFCON: Senegal reject CAF ruling, to initiate appeal

The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision by CAF’s Appeal Board to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title an award it to Morocco. The Federation made the announcement in a statement released to the public on Wednesday. Senegal had walked off the pitch during their AFCON 2025 final match against Morocco in Rabat […]

The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision by CAF’s Appeal Board to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title an award it to Morocco.

The Federation made the announcement in a statement released to the public on Wednesday.

Senegal had walked off the pitch during their AFCON 2025 final match against Morocco in Rabat due to a penalty awarded to the hosts.

The Teranga Lions stopped play for over 10 minutes in protest, before returning to the pitch and winning the match in extra-time to claim the title.

Aggrieved Morocco approached CAF’s disciplinary committee without success, and appealed to its Appeal Board, headed by Nigerian judge Roli Daibo Harriman.

The nine-member board was awarded the title, stating that Senegal breached tournament rules with its protest.

Senegal denounced the ruling it described as unfair and unprecedented, adding that it “discredits African football”.

The West African nation’s Football Federation also revealed it will defend the country’s rights at the court of arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“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.”

Senegal lost its second AFCON title with the verdict, while Morocco captured a first AFCON title in 50 years with the landmark ruling.