The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly condemned the March 17, 2026 decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, announcing plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The federation described the verdict as unjust and damaging to the credibility of African football.
The Appeals Board overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board and ruled that Senegal forfeited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. As a result, the match was awarded 3-0 in favor of Morocco and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. CAF cited breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations by the Senegalese team as the basis for the decision.
The controversy stems from dramatic scenes during the final, when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch following a disallowed goal and a penalty decision in favor of the host nation, Morocco. The incident led to protests from the Moroccan side, which subsequently triggered CAF’s review process and eventual ruling.
In its findings, the CAF Appeals Board declared Morocco’s protest admissible, noting that Senegal had not been granted a proper right to be heard during the initial disciplinary proceedings. This procedural concern played a key role in overturning the earlier decision.
Reacting in an official statement, the FSF labeled the outcome as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” insisting that it undermines sporting fairness and the integrity of continental competitions. The federation emphasized its commitment to defending Senegal’s position and protecting the interests of its national team.
The FSF confirmed that it will file an appeal with CAS in Lausanne as soon as possible, seeking a reversal of the ruling. It also pledged to keep the public informed as the case progresses, signaling what could become a prolonged legal battle over one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.
The disputed final, officially recorded as match 52 of the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 tournament, now enters a new phase of legal scrutiny, with its outcome hanging in the balance pending CAS arbitration.
