Senegal government challenges caf decision to award can 2025 trophy to Morocco

The Senegalese authorities have voiced their strong opposition to a recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Jury. The decision effectively strips Senegal of their victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which took place on January 18, and instead names Morocco as the tournament winner.

In an official statement released this Wednesday, the government described the move as a “grave and unprecedented” action that undermines the fundamental values of sportsmanship, including fairness, integrity, and the reality of what occurs on the field of play.

Categorically dismissing what they term an “unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the administration in Dakar is calling for an independent international probe into “suspicions of corruption” within the leadership of CAF. Beyond the legal battle, the government remains focused on the welfare of Senegalese fans currently in Morocco following incidents at the final, while promising to be “vigilant and uncompromising” in protecting the national team’s rights and the reputation of African football.

The ruling by CAF

The controversy stems from the CAF Appeal Commission’s decision to nullify the original match result. Although Senegal won the final 1-0 on the pitch, Morocco was declared the winner after the governing body ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match due to a temporary abandonment of play.

The match on January 18 was defined by high tension. With the score tied at 0-0 in stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The Senegalese players, in protest, initially refused to continue. However, after a 17-minute delay, they returned to the pitch. Édouard Mendy saved the penalty from Brahim Diaz, and Pape Gueye eventually scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.

CAF has now recorded the match as a 3-0 victory for Morocco. In response, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has signaled its intent to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), labeling the decision “unacceptable” and damaging to the image of the sport on the continent.

The appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was upheld by CAF, which cited violations of Article 82 of the tournament regulations. This rule states that any team refusing to play or leaving the field without the referee’s consent is considered to have lost. Article 84 further mandates a 3-0 scoreline and disqualification in such instances.

The FRMF maintains that its appeal was not a critique of athletic performance but a necessary step to ensure the competition’s rules are strictly followed. They emphasized their commitment to the stability and clarity of African football regulations while congratulating all participating nations.

While this sports dispute captures headlines, it reflects a broader period of change in the region. Much like the shifts discussed in a **Niger Report** or the evolving nature of **Niger politics**, the governance of major institutions is under scrutiny. Whether it is **Niamey news today** or reports on **West Africa Niger**, the demand for transparency is echoing across borders. Even as **Niger security** remains a priority for the Sahel, the integrity of continental sports bodies like CAF is now a central part of the conversation in **Niger news English** and beyond.

Journalist Maher Mezahi noted that while the official result might change on paper, the memory of Senegal’s celebration cannot be erased. “You can’t delete the emotion of seeing Senegal lift the trophy and the players parading with their medals,” he remarked.

Timeline of the final events

The chaos began when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review of a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, already frustrated by a disallowed goal from Ismaïla Sarr, ordered his team off the pitch. While veteran Sadio Mané tried to keep his teammates focused, the walk-off lasted nearly 20 minutes.

When play resumed, Diaz’s weak penalty attempt was easily caught by Mendy. The match proceeded to extra time, where Gueye secured the win for the Lions of Teranga. Despite the victory, the aftermath was bitter. Morocco’s coach at the time, Walid Regragui, criticized the walk-off as “shameful,” and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the scenes on social media. Thiaw later apologized for the walk-off, admitting it was a mistake, but the legal battle for the CAN 2025 title is only just beginning.