Senegal’s govt protests CAF decision to strip them of AFCON 2025 title
By Joel Masibo, March 18, 2026The Government of Senegal has strongly condemned a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Jury that stripped the national team of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded it to Morocco on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
In an official communiqué released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, authorities in Dakar described the decision as “deeply unjust” and a serious violation of the core principles of sporting fairness and integrity. The government argued that the ruling disregards the legitimacy of the result achieved on the pitch, where Senegal had emerged victorious under the established rules of the game.
”The Government of Senegal expresses its deep dismay following the decision delivered by the Appeals Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), aimed at stripping the Senegal national team of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarding it to Morocco,” the statement signed by Marie Rose Khady Fatou FAYE,
Secretary of State to the Prime Minister reads in part.
According to the statement, the move represents an unprecedented action that not only undermines the credibility of CAF but also risks eroding public trust in African football governance.
Senegal protests
”This unprecedented decision, of exceptional gravity, directly undermines the fundamental principles that form the basis of sporting ethics, foremost among them fairness, integrity, and respect for the truth on the field. It stems from a clearly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a decision that is grossly illegal and profoundly unjust,” it adds.
The West African nation has firmly rejected the decision, insisting that administrative processes should not override merit earned through competition. In a bold step, Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF structures, signaling a deepening rift between the country and the governing body of African football.
Additionally, the government confirmed it will explore all legal avenues, including escalating the matter to international judicial institutions, in a bid to overturn the ruling and restore what it considers the rightful outcome of the tournament.
”Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjust dispossession. It calls for the opening of an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing bodies. Furthermore, Senegal will pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including before competent international judicial bodies, to ensure justice is served and that the primacy of sporting results is restored,” the statement added.
This follows Senegalese players controversially walking off the pitch in Rabat during the final on January 18, 2026, in protest when the hosts were awarded a penalty late in second-half stoppage time.
Morocco later filed an appeal against Senegal after the final ended 1-0 in favour of the West Africans. In its ruling, CAF said that having studied Morocco’s appeal, “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match” and the result was “officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.
Beyond the legal battle, Senegal has also expressed concern over its citizens detained in Morocco following incidents linked to the AFCON final. Authorities reassured the public that efforts are underway to secure their release and ensure their welfare.