Senegal CAF AFCON 2025 appeal announced as FSF rejects Morocco’s title, pledging to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has rejected the decision of the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board awarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football and confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Also read: CAF awards controversial AFCON 2025 title to Morocco
CAF on Tuesday awarded Morocco the title after overturning the result of the final against Senegal, ruling that the West African side forfeited the match following a brief walk-off by Senegal players in Rabat on January 19. The match result was recorded as a 3–0 win in favour of Morocco.
The Senegalese federation said the appeal committee cited procedural flaws in the original disciplinary hearing, declaring Morocco’s protest admissible and overturning the prior decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board.
“The Appeals Committee also determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. Consequently, CAF declared that the FSF had violated Article 82 and awarded the match by forfeit, with a recorded score of 3–0 in favour of the FRMF, in accordance with Article 84,” the FSF stated.
Reacting to the verdict, Senegal criticised the decision, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” warning that it damages the credibility of African football.
“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,” the statement added.
The FSF reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and sporting justice, promising to keep the public informed as the appeal progresses.
Also read: CAF awards controversial AFCON 2025 title to Morocco
Senegal’s challenge sets up a potential high-profile legal battle in African football, with the final outcome to be determined outside the pitch in Switzerland.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
