Senegal rejects CAF ruling, vows to appeal AFCON nullification

The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has rejected the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

CAF’s Appeal Board ruled on Tuesday that Senegal forfeited the final match, officially awarding a 3-0 victory to the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football. The decision came after chaotic scenes in Rabat, where Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a disallowed goal and a penalty call.

In a statement, the FSF said it had noted the ruling delivered by CAF’s Appeal Committee under case DC23316.

“The Senegalese Football Federation has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered on March 17, 2026,” the federation said.

CAF upheld Morocco’s protest and overturned an earlier disciplinary decision on procedural grounds. The Appeals Board ruled the appeal admissible and overturned the Disciplinary Board’s earlier decision, citing Senegal’s right to be heard.

CAF determined that Senegal’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84, resulting in the forfeiture of the final. “CAF declared that the FSF violated Article 82 and awarded the match 3-0 to Morocco,” the federation said.

The FSF condemned the ruling, calling it unfair and damaging to the credibility of African football. “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision,” it stated.

The federation confirmed it will challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to defend its rights and vowed to keep the public updated on the progress of the appeal.

“The Federation will initiate an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” it said, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and fairness in football.