Senegalese government condemns CAF decision to strip 2025 AFCON title

The Senegalese government strongly condemned the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip the national men’s football team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to their final opponents, Morocco.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the government described the ruling as unjust, citing what it called a flawed interpretation of the rules that undermines the credibility of African football.

“This unprecedented decision of exceptional gravity directly contradicts the core principles of sporting ethics, including fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game,” the statement said.

The government also called for an independent investigation into suspected corruption within CAF and pledged to pursue all legal avenues to restore the team’s rightful victory.

“Senegal will remain resolute and vigilant in defending the rights of the national team and protecting the honor of African sport,” it added.

The government also expressed the country’s full support for Senegalese citizens who were detained in Morocco after the AFCON final, and pledged to closely monitor the case to ensure a fair and timely outcome.

CAF issued its ruling on Tuesday evening, citing that several Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch during the final match, which Senegal had won 1-0. The match result was officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco.

The CAF Appeals Committee defended its decision by citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, which state: “A team that refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the referee’s authorization shall be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Senegal’s football federation rejected the decision and announced its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.