The Government of Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
Senegal had initially defeated Morocco 1–0 in the January final, but CAF overturned the result after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match when their players walked off in protest over a stoppage-time penalty awarded to the hosts.
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The players later returned after a 17-minute delay, during which Brahim Díaz saw his ‘Panenka’ penalty saved before Pape Gueye scored what appeared to be the winning goal in extra time.
However, following an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), CAF ruled the match as a 3–0 forfeit victory in favour of Morocco.
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In a strongly worded statement, the Senegalese government described the ruling as “unprecedented and exceptionally serious”, alleging it was based on a “manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations” that resulted in a “grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision.”
“Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the statement added.
Earlier, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it would challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), branding the decision “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.”
FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow further questioned the integrity of the process, stating, “We felt that the jury wasn’t there to uphold the law, but to carry out an order.”
Meanwhile, some Senegal players have indicated they will not return their winners’ medals, with Idrissa Gueye insisting the team’s experience in Rabat cannot be erased.
“We know what we experienced that evening in Rabat. And no one can take that away from us,” Gueye posted on social media, reflecting the squad’s belief that they remain the rightful champions.
The escalating dispute sets the stage for a major legal and political showdown that could have far-reaching implications for African football governance.
