The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed on Wednesday that the Senegalese Football Federation filed an appeal against the Confederation of African Football decision. CAS registered the case on March 25, 2026. The federation asked the court to set aside the CAF ruling and declare Senegal the rightful winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The dispute arose from the AFCON 2025 final played in January in Rabat, Morocco. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time. However, Senegal players left the pitch for about 17 minutes in protest after officials awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty. The players later returned, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal scored the winner.
On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations. The board changed the score to a 3-0 victory for Morocco and declared the host nation champions. The Senegalese Football Federation condemned the decision as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable.
Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow described the ruling as a travesty and a shame for African football. He stated, “We will not back down.” The federation added in an official statement, “To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.”
In its filing with CAS, the Senegalese Football Federation demanded the court overturn the CAF decision and restore Senegal as the original winners. Officials argued that the referee allowed the match to continue after the brief protest, so no forfeit occurred.
The appeal now moves forward at CAS in Lausanne. Both parties await further proceedings and a final ruling on the disputed title. The case continues to spark debate across African football circles.
