Senegal Maroc can 2025: caf decision under fire from internal dissent

The drama surrounding the CAN 2025 final shows no signs of fading. Months after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the title to Morocco on technical grounds, Senegal has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Now, a key figure within the CAF’s appeals jury has come forward with explosive claims that cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the decision.

In a candid interview, Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the appeals commission, expressed his strong opposition to the ruling. « I fundamentally disagree with this decision », he stated, revealing that he stood alone in voting against the controversial verdict that dealt a harsh blow to Senegal’s Lions of Teranga.

« I cannot accept the interpretation that led to this conclusion. When an official allows a match to proceed to its conclusion, it implies that no abandonment occurred. To reverse that on disciplinary grounds undermines the very essence of fair play. »

internal CAF split over controversial ruling

Varela Monteiro went further, questioning the logic behind the decision. « If the outcome of a match can later be altered, then the very concept of a final decision loses all meaning », he argued. He also warned that the TAS would only reconsider a field decision if clear evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith were presented—something he believes is absent in this case.

Looking back at the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal triumphed 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye. Yet the match saw a dramatic interruption when Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The spot kick, taken by Brahim Diaz, was missed, leaving the outcome unchanged—but the controversy certainly wasn’t.