Abuja: The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has rejected the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco and says it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAF’s Appeal Board on Tuesday ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
CAF said the final was forfeited by Senegal, with the result officially recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
The decision followed chaotic scenes in Rabat during the final, where Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a disallowed goal and a controversial penalty decision.
The FSF said it had taken note of the ruling delivered by CAF’s Appeal Committee in case DC23316.
“The Senegalese Football Federation has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered on March 17, 2026,” the federation said.
According to the federation, CAF upheld Morocco’s protest and overturned an earlier disciplinary decision on procedural grounds.
“The Appeals Board declared the appeal admissible and overturned the Disciplinary Board decision over the right to be heard,” the FSF said.
It added that CAF ruled Senegal’s conduct contravened Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations, leading to the forfeiture of the match.
“CAF declared that the FSF violated Article 82 and awarded the match 3–0 to Morocco,” the federation stated.
The Senegalese federation, however, condemned the ruling, describing it as damaging to the credibility of African football.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision,” it said, confirming that it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge the verdict.
“To defend its rights, the Federation will initiate an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” it added, pledging to keep the public informed as the case progresses.
Meanwhile, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has acknowledged CAF’s Appeal Board ruling following the disputed AFCON 2025 final.
In a statement on its official website, the Moroccan federation said its appeal was aimed at ensuring proper application of competition rules rather than disputing the sporting merit of any team.
“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” it stated.
The FRMF also commended all participating nations, describing the tournament as significant for the development of African football.
It said a detailed position would be released after a meeting of its governing bodies scheduled for Wednesday, which would clarify its stance and outline any legal or administrative steps if necessary.
The ruling by the CAF Appeal Committee has intensified debate over governance and regulatory consistency in African football, with stakeholders calling for clearer rules and more transparent decision-making processes across CAF competitions.
Morocco’s response is expected to influence ongoing discussions on reforms and accountability within CAF structures.
