Senegal Demands Review of CAF Decision: Scandal Surrounding AFCON 2025 Final

The Government of Senegal has issued an official statement following the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Initially, Senegal’s national team won the final 1–0 in extra time. However, two months later, CAF revised the result and awarded a technical victory to Morocco — 3–0. This decision was based on Article 84 of the tournament regulations: Morocco’s appeal was upheld, and the previous ruling of the disciplinary committee was overturned. The key incident was the Senegalese players leaving the pitch after a penalty was awarded at the end of regular time.

In response, Senegalese authorities expressed “deep outrage” over the CAF Appeals Jury decision, calling it unprecedented, unlawful, and unjust. The statement emphasized that such a verdict contradicts the fundamental principles of sporting ethics — fairness, integrity, and respect for results achieved on the field.

The government also demanded an independent international investigation amid suspicions of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies.

Full Statement of the Government of Senegal

“The Government of Senegal expresses its deep outrage at the decision rendered by the Appeals Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), according to which the Senegal national team is stripped of its 2025 African champion title and it is awarded to Morocco.

This unprecedented decision, marked by exceptional seriousness, directly contradicts the fundamental principles of sporting ethics, foremost among them fairness, integrity, and respect for truth on the field. It is based on a clearly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, resulting in a decision that is blatantly unlawful and profoundly unjust.

By calling into question the result achieved at the end of a match conducted in accordance with the rules and concluded with a fair victory, CAF deals a serious blow to its own credibility, as well as to the trust that the peoples of Africa rightfully place in continental sports institutions.

Senegal cannot allow an administrative decision to erase effort, merit, and sporting superiority. Senegal firmly rejects this attempt at unjust deprivation of the title.

It calls for an independent international investigation into suspicions of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies.

Furthermore, Senegal will use all appropriate legal remedies, including recourse to competent international judicial bodies, to ensure justice and restore the primacy of sporting results.

The Government also takes this opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s solidarity with Senegalese citizens currently detained in Morocco following incidents during the AFCON final. It is fully mobilized to monitor the situation to ensure a swift and favorable resolution.

Senegal remains determined, vigilant, and unwavering in defending the rights of its national team and restoring the honor of African sport.

Done in Dakar, March 18, 2026.”