RismadarVoice Reporters
March 18, 2026
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has rejected the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, confirming plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
CAF had on Tuesday declared Morocco champions of the tournament after overturning the result of the final played in Rabat on January 19, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match following a brief walk-off by its players during a controversial late incident.
The appeal panel subsequently recorded the match as a 3–0 victory in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FSF said it had taken note of the ruling delivered by CAF’s Appeal Committee but criticized the decision, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.” The federation argued that the verdict undermined the credibility of African football.
According to the federation, the appeal board declared Morocco’s protest admissible and overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing procedural shortcomings in the initial hearing.
The panel also found that Senegal’s conduct during the final fell under provisions relating to misconduct and match forfeiture in the tournament regulations.
Despite the ruling, the FSF said it would pursue legal redress at the international level.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The federation reaffirmed its commitment to due process and sporting integrity, adding that it would keep the public informed on further developments as the dispute moves to CAS.
