Dakar Senegal has escalated its response to one of the most controversial decisions in recent African football history, calling for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The demand follows CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco, overturning the result of a dramatic final played in January.
Senegal had initially secured a 1–0 victory over Morocco, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time. However, the match was overshadowed by a tense moment late in regulation time, when Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to host nation Morocco.
Play was suspended for 17 minutes before the players returned. The penalty, taken by Brahim Díaz using a Panenka attempt, was saved. Senegal went on to win the match, seemingly sealing the continental title.
But in a stunning reversal, CAF later ruled in favor of Morocco following an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The governing body declared that Senegal had forfeited the match due to the walk-off, officially recording a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
In a strongly worded statement, the Senegalese government condemned the decision as “unprecedented and excessively severe,” arguing that it was based on a “manifestly flawed interpretation” of CAF regulations. Authorities in Dakar described the ruling as “grossly unlawful and deeply unjust,” rejecting what they called an attempt to illegitimately strip the nation of its title.
“The Government of Senegal firmly rejects this unfounded decision,” the statement said, while urging the international community to support efforts for transparency and accountability in African football governance.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed it will file an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, signaling the beginning of a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape the outcome of the tournament.
On the other side, Morocco’s football federation welcomed CAF’s decision, stating that it upholds the rules governing international competitions and strengthens discipline within African football.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged that the events surrounding the final had raised concerns about governance and credibility. He stressed the importance of respecting decisions taken by CAF’s disciplinary and appeals bodies, emphasizing integrity as a core principle of the organization.
“No country in Africa will be treated preferentially or unfairly,” Motsepe said.
The case now moves toward international arbitration, where the Court of Arbitration for Sport will determine whether CAF’s decision stands or is overturned an outcome that could have lasting implications for the credibility of African football and the integrity of its flagship competition.
