By Kwame Bediako
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has vehemently rejected the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals jury’s bombshell decision to annul Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory months after the Morocco-hosted final.
CAF’s ruling on Tuesday, March 17 upheld an appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), invoking Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations. It overturned the Disciplinary Board’s earlier stance, citing Senegal’s 17-minute pitch walkout in protest against a late penalty to Morocco as a regulatory breach.
Despite Sadio Mané coaxing the Teranga Lions back, they clinched a narrow win via Pape Gueye after Brahim Díaz missed the spot-kick.
The FSF slammed the verdict, announcing immediate plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. “To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate proceedings before CAS as soon as possible,” their statement read, escalating tensions in what promises to be a protracted legal battle over the continental crown.
In additional rulings, CAF addressed final incidents: Morocco’s Ismaël Saïbari saw his suspension cut to two matches (one suspended) with a $100,000 fine dropped for misconduct.
Morocco’s federation faced a reduced $50,000 fine for ball boys’ behavior, an upheld $100,000 for VAR interference, and a slashed $10,000 for a laser incident, all other appeals dismissed.
