WeeklySA_AdminCHALLENGE: Senegal condemn CAF’s decision as “unfair” and “a travesty,” confirming plans to appeal after being stripped of their AFCON 2025 title and handing Morocco a 3–0 victory…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board’s decision to award Morocco a 3–0 victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final has triggered a fierce backlash from Senegal, who have vowed to challenge the ruling at the highest level of global sport.
CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations, overturning the original result and officially declaring Morocco champions.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly rejected the decision, describing it as both unjustified and damaging to the integrity of African football.
According to a report by The Guardian, Senegalese football authorities have labelled the ruling a “travesty” and insist it lacks any legal basis.
“We will not back down,” said FSF secretary-general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, confirming that the federation will pursue the matter through legal channels, including an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Senegal’s football leadership has further described the decision as “unfair” and “unprecedented,” signalling a determined effort to overturn what they believe is an administrative injustice.
From pitch to legal battle
The controversy stems from a dramatic AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision before returning to complete the match and ultimately winning in extra time.
CAF’s Appeal Board, however, ruled that the temporary walkout constituted a breach of regulations serious enough to warrant forfeiture — a decision that has now shifted the contest from the pitch to the courtroom.
Key findings
The Appeal Board found that Senegal’s conduct during the final fell within the scope of serious misconduct under CAF regulations, warranting the application of a forfeit — one of the harshest sanctions available.
As a result:
• The AFCON final result has been officially revised;
• Morocco is recorded as the winner by a 3–0 scoreline; and
• The earlier disciplinary ruling has been nullified.
CAF also issued several additional rulings linked to incidents during the match.
Morocco international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However, his sanctions were reduced:
• A two-match suspension, with one match suspended
• A previously imposed USD 100 000 fine was set aside
The Appeal Board further ruled on match-day incidents involving Morocco:
• Ball boys incident: Morocco held responsible; fine reduced to USD 50 000;
• VAR/OFR interference: Appeal dismissed; USD 100 000 fine upheld; and
• Laser incident: Fine reduced to USD 10 000.
All other appeals and requests for relief were dismissed.
Morrocans’ reaction
In a response to the CAF Appeals Board decision, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially welcomed the verdict: “The FRMF has received the decisions made by the CAF Appeals Board regarding the events that occurred during the match between the Moroccan national team and their Senegalese counterparts in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
“The CAF Appeals Board, acting in accordance with Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, has ruled that the Senegalese national team forfeited the match in the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, awarding a 3-0 victory to the Moroccan national team”.
Continental fallout
The ruling has sparked widespread debate across African football, raising critical questions about governance, disciplinary enforcement, and the finality of match results.
While Morocco is now officially recognised as AFCON 2025 champions, Senegal’s refusal to accept the outcome sets the stage for a prolonged legal battle that could ultimately be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
For now, the controversy shows no sign of fading — with the final outcome of Africa’s biggest football showpiece still being contested long after the final whistle.
