The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Officials declared Senegal forfeited the match against host Morocco on Tuesday. They awarded Morocco a 3-0 win and the title.
The incident occurred during the final in Rabat in January. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw and several players left the pitch for about 15 minutes. They protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The team returned to the field and won 1-0 in extra time.
The CAF Disciplinary Board later imposed fines on both teams but kept the original result. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed that decision.
Senegalese Football Federation secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow condemned the new ruling. He called it a shame for Africa. Sow stated, “We will not back down. The law is on our side.” He added, “This decision is a travesty that rests on no legal basis.”
The federation released a statement on Wednesday. It described the outcome as unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable. The statement said the ruling discredits African football.
The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the CAF decision outright. It confirmed plans to escalate the case. Officials said the body will file an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. The federation explained the move aimed to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football.
