Senegal AFCON title reversal sparks outrage as federation plans trophy parade and files appeal against CAF decision

The Senegalese Football Federation has announced plans to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Paris on Saturday, rejecting a decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip the national team of its title.

Also read: CAF updates records, names Morocco AFCON 2025 champions

The move follows CAF’s controversial ruling last week to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 18 January final in Rabat and instead award a 3-0 win to Morocco.

Senegal’s football authorities have since lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which confirmed on Tuesday that it had received the case and would deliver a decision as swiftly as possible.

Speaking at a media conference in Paris, Abdoulaye Fall described the ruling as a “blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery” and vowed a determined response.

“Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values,” Fall said, adding that the federation’s fight had become a broader crusade beyond the football pitch.

The planned trophy parade is expected to take place ahead of Senegal’s friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France, signalling the country’s refusal to recognise the revised outcome.

The dispute stems from chaotic scenes during the final, when Senegal players walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty while the match was still goalless.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz later missed a decisive Panenka penalty in extra time.

Following the incident, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodged a formal complaint with CAF and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s actions disrupted the match and affected player morale.

CAF’s disciplinary committee initially imposed sanctions on both teams, including a five-match ban for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw.

However, the governing body’s appeal board later ruled that Senegal had breached competition regulations, specifically provisions relating to teams leaving the field without authorisation.

Article 82 of CAF regulations states that any team that exits the pitch before the end of a match without the referee’s approval is subject to elimination, a clause central to the decision to overturn the result.

Also read: Senegal rejects CAF ruling, to appeal Morocco AFCON 2025 win

The standoff has intensified tensions in African football, with Senegal’s defiant stance adding a dramatic new chapter to one of the sport’s most contentious disputes in recent years.