The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, vowing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAF had earlier overturned the original final result, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match following a walk-off during the final in Rabat, and subsequently awarded a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
“The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” CAF stated.
The controversy arose after chaotic scenes late in the game, when Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch in protest over a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts.
In its reaction, the Senegalese Football Federation acknowledged receipt of the Appeal Board’s decision delivered on March 17, 2026.
“With this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football admissible and accepted it… on the grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings,” the federation said.
Condemning the verdict, the body described it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” adding that it undermines the credibility of African football.
The federation confirmed it will formally file an appeal before CAS in Lausanne, seeking to overturn CAF’s decision.
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