The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has rejected a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, confirming plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Morocco were declared champions after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the initial result of the final played in Rabat, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match following a walk-off during the game.
In its decision, CAF stated: “The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
The ruling followed a protest by Morocco after chaotic scenes late in the final, when Senegal players briefly left the pitch in reaction to a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts. CAF’s Appeal Board held that the action breached Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and match forfeiture.
In a statement, the FSF confirmed it had formally received the decision delivered in case DC23316, arising from the final between Senegal and Morocco.
“The Senegalese Football Federation has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered by the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football,” the statement read.
The federation noted that the Appeal Board accepted Morocco’s protest and overturned an earlier ruling by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing a procedural flaw.
“The board overturned the decision rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, on the grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings,” the FSF said.
CAF’s Appeal Committee further ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the match violated Articles 82 and 84, leading to the forfeiture decision and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory.
Reacting strongly, the Senegalese federation condemned the verdict.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the statement added.
The FSF confirmed it will escalate the matter to the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” it said.
The federation reiterated its commitment to due process and pledged to keep the public informed as the legal challenge progresses.
